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Solvang invests in hybrid connectivity for crew welfare
The gas carrier owner is investing in bonded connectivity for its fleet to enable cloud-based business applications and video conferencing
Solvang has agreed to equip all of its fleet with a bonded connectivity service involving satellite and coastal communications to enhance crew welfare services and operational applications.
The Scandinavian shipowner and operator has contracted Viasat subsidiary Inmarsat Maritime to provide NexusWave, a fully managed bonded connectivity service, for its gas and ethylene carriers.
This service combines Ka-band and L-band communications over geostationary orbiting satellites with connections to low Earth orbit satellites operated by Eutelsat OneWeb and long-term evolution 4G and 5G cellular networks, all in one bonded connection.
Solvang’s fleet includes six semi-refrigerated ethylene carriers, eight large gas carriers, and 13 very large gas carriers (including seven newbuilds).
Solvang’s Electro superintendent, Terje Skaar, explained the importance of satellite connectivity for its gas carrier fleet. “In a rapidly evolving maritime industry, our operations are increasingly reliant on cloud-based solutions and video conferencing, while our seafarers expect a home-like internet experience on board the ship,” he said.
“With NexusWave, our vessels will be seamlessly connected to high-speed internet at all times, with no unexpected costs and a single point of contact for support and service.”
Inmarsat said the bonded connection can achieve maximum download speeds of up to 340 Mbps, maximum upload speeds of up to 80 Mbps and network availability exceeding 99.9%.
Tests have demonstrated the quality of a video conference remains virtually unaffected by the availability or performance of a single underlay, with the solution dynamically adjusting traffic routeing to maintain a seamless and uninterrupted experience.
NexusWave has been trialled on Solvang’s very large gas carrier, Clipper Explorer, and the ship’s master reported positive communications using this service. “Since the service was installed, our online applications have been running smoothly, with higher connection speeds than ever, no downtime, and not a single issue reported by crew,” said Clipper Explorer master.
Inmarsat Maritime sales manager Christopher Hansen explained more of the details. “Initial feedback from vessels equipped with NexusWave has been very positive,” he said.
“We have verified the service’s speed and reliability through rigorous real-world testing. Shipping operators are experiencing the benefits of seamless business communications and home-like connectivity for crew,” Mr Hansen added.
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