K Line upgrades satellite communications on 100 ships

K Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management (KRBS) is investing in a bonded satellite communications network for more than 100 vessels under its management to increase operational efficiency and crew welfare.

The Japanese group is upgrading connectivity on its roro ships and bulk carriers with Inmarsat’s NexusWave, which combines communications with various constellations including satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) and those in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Part of this upgrade includes installing very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technology and flat-panel antennas on these vessels over the next two years. Several of these upgrades have already been completed.

Cobham Satcom is supplying VSAT technology designed to communicate with Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) constellation of satellites over Ka-band, a key part of NexusWave.