Intelsat, Marlink Partnership Fruitful
The surge in data across the maritime sector helped drive the creation of the partnership between Marlink, the leader in maritime VSAT by market share, according to Comsys, and Intelsat, the leading provider of maritime broadband services for FSS operators in C- and Ku-band, according to NSR. This strong partnership has already yielded value for end-users. Marlink’s new and existing customers, such as Rickmers and Stena Line, leverage their innovative applications for vessel operations in addition to enhancing passenger and crew connectivity services over Intelsat satellites.
Intelsat 29e is currently undergoing in-orbit testing at its orbital location at 310° E and is on track to begin operations in the second quarter of 2016. It will provide coverage over the Americas, Caribbean and the heavily traveled North Atlantic route. Future Intelsat EpicNG launches will ensure that Marlink and its customers have access to a fully global and integrated satellite solution that delivers consistent, high throughput services. Intelsat 33e, scheduled for launch later in the year, will bring capacity over Europe, Africa and Asia, while Horizons 3e will complete the Intelsat EpicNG global footprint in 2018.
“The coverage and throughput that Intelsat’s Globalized Network delivers are critical features that help us stand out in a competitive market,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. “Even more importantly, the flexibility to choose and control the design of our networks enables us to cost-effectively meet end-user demand regardless of location, a critical feature given that our customers operate around the globe. The higher power and performance delivered by Intelsat EpicNG will support our provision of high speeds which will support our users across all maritime segments, but will be particularly relevant to offshore and cruise vessel customers who depend on high levels of reliable bandwidth in daily operations.”