Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (‘K’ Line) has agreed a deal with Inmarsat Maritime to conduct a trial of Inmarsat Maritime’s new bonded network service NexusWave on its vessels.
Launched in May this year, NexusWave integrates a variety of different networks in real time, including geostationary (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity as well as coastal terrestrial GSM, to deliver multi-orbit services with global coverage and a ‘secure by design’ infrastructure.
The implementation of the trials will start this month.
“In recent years, there has been an increase in data transmission to enhance safety and quality. As such, we require connectivity services that are fast, reliable and global,” said Akihiro Fujimaru, Managing Executive Officer, ‘K’ Line.
“Furthermore, high-speed internet connectivity will greatly contribute to reforms to onboard workstyles and automated ship navigation. Maintaining connections with family and friends is quite crucial for preserving the well-being of our crew.”
“NexusWave promises to fulfil these needs well into the future, especially with the anticipated service launch of the high-capacity ViaSat-3 Ka-band satellites. This technology will also bolster our digitalisation initiatives moving forward.”
‘K’ Line is the second major shipping company to have announced plans to implement the connectivity service, with Hapag-Lloyd confirming last month that it would begin trialling NexusWave on its vessels.
