Inmarsat has expanded its agreement with Maersk to enhance global fleet connectivity.

Danish shipping and logistics giant Maersk and Inmarsat Maritime have agreed to upgrade Inmarsat satellite communications services across Maersk’s global fleet of approximately 340 container ships. This will see bandwidth enhancements rolled out across Maersk’s entire fleet of owned container ships between 2025 and 2026.

These upgrades are part of Maersk’s roadmap to facilitate unified connectivity and transform its vessels into fully operational floating offices as well as providing crews with improved connectivity. The concept of floating office is aimed at improving vessel operations through digitalisation, expanded cloud-enabled options and a more cohesive operational infrastructure, enabling advancements in automation-focused operations and, potentially, autonomous operations.

Inmarsat Maritime’s connectivity service combines Ka-band and resilient L-band networks, providing global, always-on, reliable and secure connectivity for Maersk’s fleet, essential for transforming vessels into floating offices and floating homes for seafarers.

“Connectivity is the key enabler in ensuring our vessels can become floating offices, and with our One SatCom project we have the target of having transformed all our vessels into floating offices by 2027,” said Karthikeyan Arumugam, senior product manager at Maersk (www.maersk.com). “The partnership with Inmarsat Maritime plays an important role in enriching application availability and performance, thereby supporting our digital transformation at sea. No less important, it also fosters a better working environment and well-being for our crew members, ensuring that our vessels are not only workplaces but also connected homes away from home.”

Ben Palmer president of Inmarsat Maritime, added: “Our long-term partnership with Maersk is tailored to meet the evolving demands for maritime connectivity. Our connectivity is designed to integrate seamlessly with Maersk’s operational framework, ensuring a robust, secure and continuous flow of information between ship and shore. This expanded agreement is a testament to our commitment to enabling strategic outcomes through superior connectivity.”

Inmarsat Maritime (Inmarsat.com/maritime) is a Viasat (www.viasat.com) subsidiary with over 40 years of experience. Viasat acquired Inmarsat in May 2023. Inmarsat Maritime is based in Viasat’s international business headquarters in London.