A major IT corporation and a maritime satellite communications provider have teamed up to deliver cloud-based solutions for shipowners
A major IT corporation and a maritime satellite communications provider have teamed up to deliver cloud-based solutions for shipowners.
Microsoft is working with Marlink to provide access to cloud-infrastructure for digitalisation applications for vessels.
This will enable shipowners, managers and masters to access online applications if vessels use Marlink’s satellite communications, through L-band or higher bandwidth available through VSAT.
Ship operators can use satellite links to access Microsoft’s Azure Stack public cloud and digital programs on that infrastructure.
This will also provide infrastructure for digital enablers to build, deploy, and operate hybrid cloud applications consistently, opening these up to maritime markets.
Marlink intends to use this collaboration to develop a digital ecosystem of innovative online services for shipowners. It has already partnered with Dutch start-up We4Sea to offer a monitoring solution that assists shipowners and managers to make better operational decisions, helping owners reduce fuel consumption and improve vessel operations.
Marlink can offer its IT monitoring and maintenance services through its ownership of Palantir and Telemar.
“This single platform convergence is an opportunity for Marlink to consolidate its own offerings,” said Marlink head of strategic business development Gennaro Faella.
“There are tremendous opportunities for efficiency and budget optimisation brought by the cloudified approach for the maritime market and leveraging our solutions portfolio.”
These services will be delivered on board through a portal accessed using Marlink’s XChange system.
Shipowners are already reaping the benefits of investing in VSAT for online applications.
In January, Norwegian ship operator Torvald Klaveness selected Marlink to provide VSAT services and Palantir’s remote IT management platform for ships it operates. Marlink will deploy its Sealink VSAT, XChange centralised communications management devices and Palantir KeepUp@Sea remote IT services on these ships.
In January, Torvald Klaveness head of IT and development Lars Erik Luthman said standardising IT management and optimising vessel performance are key pillars of the ship operator’s digital strategy.
Access to online solutions and the cyber risks that could come from that will be discussed at Riviera Maritime Media’s European Maritime Cyber Risk Management Summit in London on 25 June.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.