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Vega Rederei selects connectivity for eco newbuild fleet
A fleet of wind-assisted general cargo ships will have the latest satellite communications technology on board when delivered this year
Vega Rederei is preparing to install hardware on newbuild wind-assisted general cargo ships to communicate over geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
It has selected Viasat subsidiary Inmarsat Maritime to equip 10 diesel-electric coaster vessels with NexusWave connectivity services and Fleet Secure cyber security, which includes unified threat management and endpoint security.
With the latest antenna technology, these 89-m, 3,800-dwt cargo ships will be able to communicate over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band and L-band satellites, Eutelsat OneWeb LEO constellation, and use long-term evolution networks (LTE).
NexusWave will provide the vessels with unlimited data, always-on connectivity and unlimited back-up over a secure, bonded network infrastructure.
They will be able to use LTE services when in range of 4G and 5G coastal and port coverage, and LEO and GEO satellites when sailing between harbours.
“Our innovative new fleet of diesel-electric coasters reflects our commitment to modernising operations for optimum efficiency and environmental performance,” said Vega Reederei technical department head Leon Constantin von Plato.
“Having a connectivity solution that keeps pace with our innovative approach, offering robust cyber-security, unlimited data, and resilience, will support us in achieving these goals,” said Mr von Plato.
NexusWave will support high-quality crew welfare, real-time monitoring, frequent data packet transfers, and support the operating technology on these vessels, which have a highly sophisticated electrical set-up that goes beyond standard for vessels of this size.
These eco ships have a hull and propeller design for optimum fuel efficiency and minimal emissions, plus diesel-electric propulsion that can be upgraded for all-electric operations.
Conoship’s wind-assisted propulsion system, eConowind, is installed to reduce fuel consumption in certain weather and sea conditions.
Inmarsat’s deal with Vega follows recent agreements with Auerbach Marine and Krey Schiffahrt for NexusWave installation.
Inmarsat has also undertaken a programme of continuous service improvement, with the next phase leveraging the upcoming ViaSat-3 Ka-band network and other phases involving Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO when they are commissioned.
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