Global container liner Hapag-Lloyd is the first major shipping company confirmed to begin a trial of NexusWave, the newly-launched, fully managed service announced by Inmarsat Maritime in May of this year combining GEO, LEO and 5G connectivity in a single package.
The agreement with the Hamburg-headquartered shipping group is the first of a series of owner-operator trials to be launched by Inmarsat Maritime of the multi-orbit system, which also offers an upgrade path to the ViaSat-3 network when that constellation is completed, currently expected to be in 2025.
“With NexusWave, our vessels can transform into floating offices, seamlessly integrated with onshore and cloud-based IT systems,” said Patrick Briest, Senior Director IT – Network and Operations, Hapag-Lloyd.
“This advancement in connectivity will allow us to further streamline operations through cloud-based solutions, achieving significant cost savings and enhancing crew IT services to match onshore experiences.”
The NexusWave service leverages SD-WAN technology to provide intelligent traffic bonding and prioritisation to ensure that mission-critical operations are continuously connected, while also supporting services based on video streaming such as remote inspections. Business and crew welfare channels are maintained separately, to maximise efficiency for relevant users.
“With NexusWave enhanced connectivity, we can provide our customers with a seamless, secure, and robust communication environment that transforms maritime operations,” said Gert-Jan Panken, VP Sales, Inmarsat Maritime.
“We are committed to continuing to provide solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations and needs of our valued customers like Hapag-Lloyd, ensuring their operations are efficient and future-ready.”
