United Kingdom

Inmarsat plc

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> has been acquired by the global communications company Viasat. The combined company enhances the scale and scope to continue to drive growth in the increasingly dynamic and competitive satellite communications industry. The employees of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> will retain their roles under the new ownership, and Rajeex Suri and Andy Sukawaty, CEO and Chairman, will join the Viasat Board of Directors.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251466/image/large-5d9ca2aceec40452a7ab1bf77d737e3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251466">The company’s assets, once fully integrated, are expected to increase the pace and scope of innovation in the global satellite connectivity sector, offering new and improved capabilities to customers that will address the ever-increasing speed, flexibility, reliability, coverage and security they demand.“We are thrilled to welcome <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>’s employees, customers, shareholders and partners into the Viasat ecosystem,” said Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat. “The combination of our companies brings together the people, technology, innovation, network assets, spectrum resources and global partnerships needed to help connect the world more affordably, securely and reliably. Together, we believe we are positioned to offer customers a multi-layered network that gives them the right connectivity at the right time, place and price.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251465/image/large-65250364f6dfbf29802d99a42e82cf83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251465">“Thanks to all those who worked so tirelessly and thoroughly to complete this transaction,” said Dankberg. “I’d also like to thank the Viasat team and the leadership team at Inmarsat, especially the contributions of Rajeev Suri, Inmarsat CEO, and Andy Sukawaty, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> Chairman. Rajeev and Andy will be joining the Viasat Board of Directors as representatives of the prior <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> private equity ownership consortium. I look forward to their continued contributions to the company.”The combined company will continue to be led by Mark Dankberg as Chairman and CEO and Guru Gowrappan as President. Viasat also reconfirmed that its new global international business headquarters will be in London. Corporate headquarters will continue to be in Carlsbad, California. Further decisions regarding organizational structure and leadership will be determined as part of the ongoing integration process.“Our goal is to be the undisputed leader in satellite communications with a sharp focus on providing the best products and services for our customers,” said Gowrappan. “We are more than the sum of our parts. This combination broadens the global fixed and mobile services available to customers in an industry-defining moment. We intend to move quickly to bring the best from each company together in a way that creates much deeper value for our stakeholders and ensures we deliver on our synergy commitments.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195034/image/large-e11ca4b857f5c9a2b385bfc4f99ce95d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195034">“Satellite communications is a hugely significant and strategic global market for the U.K. space sector, now poised for an exciting next phase,” said George Freeman MP, the U.K.’s Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation &amp; Technology. “The combination of Viasat and Inmarsat creates a global leader in satellite communications here in the U.K. It brings significant investment, hundreds of new highly skilled jobs and will serve as a catalyst for substantial economic growth. Having met both companies, I look forward to working with them as we use the U.K.’s regulatory freedom and leadership to support advanced technologies to boost the space economy’s productivity, profitability and sustainability.”Under the terms of the purchase agreement, at the closing of the transaction, Inmarsat’s shareholders received an aggregate of $551 million in cash, subject to adjustments, and approximately $46.36 million shares of common stock. The cash portion of the purchase price was reduced from $850 million to $551 million after Inmarsat paid a $299 million special dividend to its shareholders in April 2022. The shares issued to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> shareholders at the closing represent an aggregate of approximately 37.6 percent of the total shares of Viasat common stock on a fully diluted basis, with no Inmarsat shareholder receiving shares representing 10% or more. In connection with closing of the acquisition on May 30, 2023, Viasat drew down on approximately $1.35 billion of its committed financing package, including a $617 million secured term loan facility and a $733 million unsecured bridge loan. The lower financed amount reflects in part the reduction in the cash component of the purchase price.

Inmarsat acquired by Viasat

Inmarsat has been acquired by global communications company Viasat.

Inmarsat acquired by global communications company Viasat

The concept of leisure time onboard yachts has continued to change over the years. Guests expect high-level onboard connectivity, just like they receive at home, to surf the internet, access social media and even stream videos. Therefore, the meaning of leisure has been redefined to no longer just mean the adventure of exploration. Guests now expect to explore both the physical and virtual worlds with the same level of ease.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251465/image/large-65250364f6dfbf29802d99a42e82cf83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251465"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> is the world leader in global, mobile satellite services, offering satellite communication services and delivering reliable, seamless global connectivity for yachts across the globe. Its products and capabilities have increased to provide efficient solutions and satellite network opportunities to capitalise on the latest developments in onboard connectivity.Many yachts now function as offices at sea to ensure business continuity for travelling executives, the demand for digital connectivity onboard has also skyrocketed thanks to the increase in social applications. The importance of guest wellbeing and connectivity is now paramount, with vital communication links also essential for crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195020/image/large-9bf7df6d460ed66536cc68fb111f8155.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195020">"It is clear that the rise in digitalisation of the yachting sector continues to grow,” commented Peter Broadhurst, Senior Vice President at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> Maritime. “We are seeing developments in connectivity and the transfer of data in greater volumes between a yacht and the shore which continues to bring significant gains for both guests and the crew, as well as improving operations, yacht management efficiency and crew welfare.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195031/image/large-e2b488abff31ddab6907198c1b10710d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195031"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>’s Fleet Xpress brings together the best of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>'s connectivity solutions and is built to deliver control over the connectivity ecosystem of the yacht. It leverages the world’s most advanced satellite constellation, to link the connectivity ecosystem and deliver a best-in-class experience to crew.Fleet Xpress makes it easier to control spending, data usage, as well as the digitalisation strategy of the yacht. It is designed with mobility in mind to provide global coverage, high speed connectivity and 100 percent KA/L-Band availability. The reliable service is also fully managed with a 24/7 maintenance and support team and multi-layered endpoint security.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195026/image/large-6a3bd0dfe3353490da04fcd1ea38c2ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195026"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> now has the Fleet Xpress platform installed on close to 11,000 vessels, which firmly establishes its position at the forefront of the expansion of digitalisation in the superyacht sector. “Communication is a key part of day-to-day life on superyachts, so having a reliable platform for that is extremely important. Fleet Xpress ensures that a superyacht is able to operate safely while remaining true to the DNA of our brand and giving us a platform into the future,” commented Peter Broadhurst.As the demand for crew connectivity soars, network management systems have become central to onboard communications capabilities. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ELERA is a global narrowband network that is ideally suited to the rapidly evolving world of the Internet of Things (IoT). “ELERA helps to keep them in touch with loved ones, each other, and even the authorities, while at sea,” Peter added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251466/image/large-5d9ca2aceec40452a7ab1bf77d737e3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251466"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ELERA is the latest evolution of the L-band network, providing global standards for availability, safety and reliability. ELERA was set up to provide a safety service for vessels at sea and expanded to run commercial services.&nbsp;The I-6 satellites are the largest and most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever built and deliver 50 percent more capacity per beam. This means more data can be carried over the same geographical area, as well as unlimited beam routing flexibility.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/251467/image/large-1eed50db022ca3c9703d0626aa20ddad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/251467"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ORCHESTRA brings together existing geosynchronous (GEO) satellites with low earth orbit satellites (LEO) and terrestrial 5G into an integrated, high-performance solution. “There are a lot of major yachting hotspots in the world, such as Monaco, Antibes and Miami where large superyachts will be docked for a long period of time. They all want to be connected and this concentrated area of traffic can often provide slower bandwidth speeds,” comments Peter.&nbsp;ORCHESTRA is designed to meet evolving connectivity needs in the yachting market by drawing together the benefits of multiple technologies to create one cohesive solution. “An orchestra brings different instruments together, each supporting the other and playing its role in the masterpiece. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> ORCHESTRA is based on the same concept, by eliminating the industry-wide challenge of congested network hot spots and working in perfect harmony for a greater performance.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195029/image/large-abc9a21ab3b126d608aa37f6ebd38895.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195029">The network benefits from a ‘dynamic mesh’ technology, which allows individual customer terminals to direct traffic to and from other customer terminals. This means that when a yacht is within reach of a 5G ground station they are able to receive ample capacity for its own needs, as well as route capacity towards other vessels beyond terrestrial reach. As a result of this they are able to create a mobile web of terminals that extend the network's reach and improve its performance and resilience. “This new approach means <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> can easily boost capacity in high-density areas ensuring customer needs continue to be met well into the future.”&nbsp;The world and technology is constantly changing, so it is important to provide the best service. When guests demand nothing but the best, their connectivity should also meet these high standards. From a high-speed always-on connection instantly anywhere in the world, to a basic seasonal plan for short-term near shore leisure trips, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> is always able to provide a top quality service.&nbsp;

Inmarsat growth of digitalisation in the yachting sector

SYT talks to Inmarsat to find out more about their products and the rapid growth of digitalisation in the yachting sector.

Inmarsat on the rapid growth of digitalisation in the yachting sector

The 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norfolk Star37.0m (121'5&quot;)Perini Navi1996">Norfolk Star</a> has joined the market. The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/norfolk-star/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Norfolk Star, for sale</a>, underwent a multi-million dollar refit in 2020, alongside her five year <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd</a>'s survey. Works on the yacht for sale included the repainting of her hull, which has gone from a dark blue hue to bottle green.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215439/image/large-2079f6c25743623eb55c83512bdf8b05.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215439">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">sailing yacht for sale</a>'s mechanics were also updated during the recent refit, with a new main engine, two new generators, PLC system,<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">&nbsp;Inmarsat</a> VSAT dome, 505 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Williams Performance Tenders (Company)">Williams</a> tender, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Doyle Sails NZ Ltd (Company)">Doyle</a> sails and Reckmann rigging. The interior of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> has also been refurbished, with all surfaces, both wood and marble, having been cleaned and coated. Her teak decks have also been restored. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norfolk Star37.0m (121'5&quot;)Perini Navi1996"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215449/image/large-ce749486c659358dc5979c9f3930c7d5.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215449"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215443/image/large-6b06003d3db54abaa41be7c7ee048b6d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215443"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215460/image/large-06bdfae6b3d23280864b9e776e1e6d78.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215460">Norfolk Star</a> features exterior and interior design from her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a>. Externally she has a number of comfortable seating areas which are well protected from the elements even when in rough seas. The wheelhouse is situated amidships and is fully covered, giving her crew and owner complete protection during passages.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215455/image/large-4dd254d018a87cfc4cfc3486256672c4.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215455"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215456/image/large-cc2fe0eff1e9d35086f93c090578a502.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215456">Her interior is spacious and comfortable, with a saloon dining room finished in light woods, with cream and gold upholstery in the soft furnishings. She can accommodate as many as six guests between three cabins, all of which are doubles and one of which is the large master suite.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215453/image/large-974b265c31d64c51fc19bb80cb39c9f0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215453"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215451/image/large-03585888da0cb17232e715de5568dadf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215451"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215458/image/large-8831422f5404511c0c8a4a9f8717da00.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215458">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/perini-navi/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Perini Navi yacht for sale</a> is available for viewings in Valencia, Spain.&nbsp;

Perini Navi sailing yacht Norfolk Star for sale

The 37m Perini Navi sailing yacht Norfolk Star, for sale, features a bottle green hull.

The Perini Navi 37m sailing yacht Norfolk Star is now on the market

Peter Broadhurst, the Maritime Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Yachting and Passenger, at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>, the global lead in mobile satellite communications, talks to SuperYacht Times&nbsp;about the success of Fleet Xpress and what it means for internet connectivity aboard your superyacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195020/image/large-9bf7df6d460ed66536cc68fb111f8155.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195020"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>&nbsp;have recently installed Fleet Xpress in their 10,000th vessel. This is a huge milestone, can you tell me a little more what Fleet Xpress is and why clients are investing in it?We are living in an unprecedented era of growth in internet connectivity in yachting, with the convergence of several powerful factors driving increased demand for high-speed broadband services via satellite. Superyacht professionals have high expectations of accessing the same level of bandwidth and range of applications they enjoy at home, often alongside aspirations to sail anywhere and everywhere with constant connectivity to facilitate onboard operations, safety, cyber security, work, contact with friends and family, and entertainment. We are also seeing significant improvements in satellite technology alongside the expansion in onboard digitalisation. COVID-19 has accelerated the increase in up-take of remote connectivity, as people look to work on board and more yachts go off the beaten track. Meanwhile, Brexit, and an increase in cyber threats, brings further challenges affecting operations, owners’ security and crew welfare. For both issues, an always-on internet connection and the support of value-added services is invaluable. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195030/image/large-9c017a36899f2725c1e9e0d5a81ac727.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195030">Continually adapting to meet the requirements of the superyacht industry, Inmarsat is uniquely placed to be the trusted partner that is needed to answer current and future demand and create a more content, more efficient and safer superyacht. This is why increasing numbers of vessels are discovering that our Fleet Xpress service, which is specifically designed for global maritime coverage, is the best solution. It ensures reliable, global satellite connectivity to improve crew welfare and morale, to optimise operations, and to enhance owner and guest experience, even in the most remote regions such as Galapagos, Polynesia and the polar latitudes.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> is the only operator able to guarantee service levels globally by owning and managing the whole network from end to end. We are also the only satellite operator to operate in both L-band and Ka-band, with 100 percent control over cyber security. As the world’s fastest growing VSAT service, Fleet Xpress for superyachts is a complete solution, not just a bandwidth, delivering high data speeds via Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band service, combined with the proven reliability of Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband (FB) L-band service.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195021/image/large-68e141785dcbe41fd6835b7d0e98cb7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195021">Superyachts with Fleet Xpress installed experience the advantages of global mobile coverage, guaranteed service levels, flexible rate plans with no bill shock, and unlimited and free back up. It incorporates a range of benefits including affordable voice calls, multiple voice options for crew and operations, and high-speed broadband for internet access, plus 24/7 online support by certified engineers. There are further benefits such as the new managed Wi-Fi solution Fleet Hotspot - a crew and passenger Wi-Fi portal providing easy access to the internet on their own devices - plus our multi-layered cyber defence solution Fleet Secure Portfolio, and Fleet Data, the maritime industry’s first secure IoT platform.There are also advantages for vessel performance and aesthetics. Owners with Fleet Xpress can upgrade antennas - losing the big, heavy, legacy hardware to fit modern, lightweight and high performing antennas. Switching antennas significantly reduces yacht weight, by as much as 240kg in some cases, and the smaller 60cm ka-band antennas also minimises potential line of sight blockages.We are seeing there is an increasing concern for cybersecurity, did you see a spike in sales during the Covid-19 pandemic?&nbsp;Over the past year, we have seen an increase in demand for satellite connectivity across our entire maritime business. For example, the average vessel using our high-speed service (including superyachts)&nbsp;increased its daily download data from 4GB to 6GB in the space of the three months from April to June 2020 driven by crew usage and&nbsp;the increased use of digital applications. There is no doubt the pandemic accentuated the critical importance of a stable communications partner that can guarantee a reliable and resilient connection that captains, crew and guests can trust at all times.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195023/image/large-af08f3a40a79116dffe9061e1ce1a594.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195023">To help superyacht captains and crew maintain a secure system core on board, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> has developed its Fleet Secure Portfolio to provide a comprehensive cyber defence solution and provide a greater sense of control and awareness over their environment. It consists of Fleet Secure Endpoint, a powerful multi-layered endpoint security solution to prevent attacks whilst removing infections and threats throughout the onboard endpoints, and Fleet Secure Cyber Awareness, cyber security training specifically targeted for seafarers, raising awareness to assist in preventing threats before they get on board.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195019/image/large-b855cfd1411b0a091acf69b501f4fe2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195019">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> solution ensures alignment to new International Maritime Organisation regulations which require larger superyachts, those over 500 GT and those with more than 12 passengers, to incorporate cyber risk management into their safety management systems from 1 January 2021.We have been working closely with superyacht industry professionals for the last few years to raise awareness about the risk of cyber-attacks and offer them robust and accessible options to help them maintain a secure system core on-board. In December 2020, the company published a free of charge report, Cyber Security Requirements for IMO 2021, providing insights into Inmarsat’s experience of real cyber-attacks on vessels and offering guidance to the criteria for compliance. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195031/image/large-e2b488abff31ddab6907198c1b10710d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195031">How has Fleet Xpress impacted the different elements of the industry, not just the owners seeing the benefits, but also the crew who work on board superyachts?The global connectivity provided by Fleet Xpress can be used for operational purposes, for owner and guest use, and for crew use. Yachts can use remote internet access to receive and exchange essential reports including weather forecasting and routing, navigation chart updates, news updates and risk and hazard reports, plus the complete range of regulatory and compliance reports. Data traffic from yacht to shore can also include sensors and monitoring of engines, stabilisation systems, fuel consumption and emissions, plus access to onboard security and CCTV systems.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195024/image/large-322269b2d5fa121e03526f1afea7a7f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195024">Owners and guests can enjoy a similar internet experience to home, covering a range of streaming services such as Netflix, Prime and Spotify, internet access and social media updates. Alongside entertainment uses, the modern remote internet connection enables the yacht to function as a mobile office with full access to VPN services, voice, video and email.It is increasingly accepted that good, reliable, onboard connectivity is essential for crew welfare and morale. Crew use of remote internet includes all of the applications you might expect to enable crew members to stay in touch with family and friends, to manage their personal and business lives whilst at sea and to keep up to date with news, messaging and social media. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195033/image/large-411847d94cac8b02042c2389ff3bb30d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195033">In the near future, owners will be able to automate key systems and so reduce the number and cost of technical personnel. This will greatly improve efficiency, but success relies on having a completely integrated system with remote monitoring, with everything onboard interconnecting, and in a way that is fully compatible and keeps the system secure from hacking. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195032/image/large-04a59dbcc1b73f44a613957ef784e5d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195032"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>&nbsp;has plans in the coming years for increased coverage and expansion to more remote regions, how are you planning to facilitate this?There is an increasing trend for yachts to travel to even more remote destinations and a continuing growth in the number of explorer yachts – both new builds and conversions. These factors are driving demand for remote internet access in the most extreme locations.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a> is meeting the demand by launching seven new satellites by 2025, which will expand its satellite network capacity by orders of magnitude and extend high speed broadband services via satellite across the Arctic for the first time ever. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195034/image/large-e11ca4b857f5c9a2b385bfc4f99ce95d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195034"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inmarsat plc (Company)">Inmarsat</a>’s most recent GX satellite, introduced in 2020, offers more capacity in a single satellite than the existing network (four satellites). Furthermore, Inmarsat’s network uses spot beam technology which operates via multiple high performance beams that overlap and deliver constant signal strength across the beams. This ensures no degradation of signal strength across the coverage of the satellite. Yachts on the move pass beam-to-beam completely seamlessly. Advances in launch vehicle and satellite design have enabled satellites to be designed and launched more quickly and more cost-effectively than before, which is enabling us to meet the growing demand for remote internet connectivity globally.For more information, and to find out how Inmarsat can assist you, contact them at:

Inmarsat onboard internet connectivity

SYT finds out how to keep your superyacht connected, with satellite specialists, Inmarsat.