In the offshore service industry, digitalization is revolutionizing the operations of offshore service providers by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and crew welfare. The increasing adoption of smart solutions is leading to a significant rise in data consumption by offshore support vessels (OSVs) through better decision-making capabilities and crew connectivity enhancements.
To optimize connectivity performance, OSVs need to focus on sector-specific attention due to their unique operating profiles. Typically, OSVs rely on shore-based LTE networks and switch to VSAT services only when they are out of reach, considering that they spend up to 40% of their time close to shore.
LTE networks are known for their reliability in congested ports and densely populated areas where there is high bandwidth demand. Inmarsat’s Fleet LTE connects to Fleet Xpress Ka-band service when the vessel sails beyond the coverage range of LTE, maintaining seamless connectivity with the help of a fully automated switch-over. The reliable L-band coverage of FleetBroadband acts as a backup, ensuring 99.9% network availability.
Inmarsat recently introduced Fleet Reach, a coastal LTE service optimized by Fleet Xpress. This new service provides uninterrupted high-speed broadband access even when vessels are near the coast or docked in port. Fleet Reach uses signal quality scanning to maintain the best connectivity from LTE up to 10 nautical miles from the shore, offering a cost-effective and cybersecure alternative to dongles.
Operators can benefit from Fleet LTE’s cost-effective all-in-one solution, with transparent pricing, no throttling, and the option to upgrade or downgrade plans as per demand. Additionally, Fleet LTE services cater to the data-intensive requirements of OSVs and leverage Fleet Data, Inmarsat’s IoT data transfer and management application, to enhance performance optimization, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize emissions.
As an example, Golden Energy Offshore, an Inmarsat customer, relies on Fleet LTE and Fleet Data to collect, analyze, and transfer extensive amounts of vessel and machinery performance data. Alongside operational efficiency, Fleet LTE also prioritizes crew welfare by enabling onboard personnel to stay connected with family and friends and access entertainment services during their free time.
Inmarsat’s continuous focus on optimal connectivity offshore, in transit, and in port addresses the evolving needs of OSV operations, providing industry-leading solutions for a digitally enhanced future.