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Knutsen upgrades oil and gas tanker fleet communications
A Norwegian owner of gas carriers and tankers will install an advanced hybrid network of satellite communications across its fleet to enhance business and crew connectivity
Knutsen Group is upgrading satellite communications across its fleet of tankers and gas carriers to enable new business and welfare services and comply with rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements.
An updated hybrid network combining connectivity to satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) will be installed on 78 ships. Very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technology with be supplemented with two terminals to connect to SpaceX’s Starlink LEO constellation on each of its existing 59 ships and a further 19 newbuildings.
Knutsen has contracted Marlink to upgrade the hybrid network and hardware, and provide this GEO and LEO connectivity, to support its digital transformation.
The Norwegian shipowner will benefit from high throughput and low latency from the LEO technology, and reliable and secure communications from the Ku-band VSAT and L-band mobile satellite back-up.
Knutsen investigated the potential of LEO services to deliver new applications and user experiences to its seafarers, and asked Marlink to upgrade its fleet to the complete Sealink NextGen solution.
“As a specialised operator focused on safety and efficiency, Knutsen works with trusted partners, which made Marlink the natural choice to support our digital transformation,” said Knutsen Group IT manager Thomas Svendsen.
“Expanding the range of applications available for business functions and crew welfare will create new opportunities for Knutsen Group going forward.”
Sealink NextGen enables a seamless transition between LEO, VSAT and L-band with an end-to-end managed service and cyber-secure communications.
Knutsen will also trial Marlink’s software-defined routeing (SD-WAN) solution, to optimise network management and to provide business-critical communications.
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