By
Rebecca Gibson |
Marlink is to roll out its customised Ku-band VSAT service, Sealink, on 27 Stena Line ferries operating in Scandinavia, the North Sea and the Irish Sea.
Aimed at increasing bandwidth and improving connectivity services, the contract also covers the installation of upgraded antennas, modems and routers, with next generation high throughput satellite (HTS) compatibility.
Stena Line will initially have access to 25 Mb/s of bandwidth to ensure it can meet the needs of the business, crew and passengers. Marlink is currently operating a test network on the next generation iDirect system, which will provide further bandwidth throughput and service availability.
“The new solution will give Stena Line vessels more bandwidth per vessel; more flexibility, stability and availability of communication services; better equipment reliability; improved satellite roaming and new back-up capabilities,” said Robin Hernandez, regional sales manager at Marlink.
Stena will expand its Closed User Group policy to enable increased bandwidth to be allocated across its 27 ships to meet specific usage demands. For instance, a vessel sailing further offshore may require more VSAT bandwidth than a coastal vessel that can route telephony and data connectivity through 3G signal and other carriers using hybrid network functionality. By using the solution’s adaptive code modulation function, the line can also achieve higher performance and stability during inclement weather.
Marlink’s hybrid network solution will significantly improve internet access for passengers and crew, enabling them to benefit from onboard wi-fi and switch between satcoms and 3G signal via a dedicated local area network. The network also supports onboard third-party GSM voice, SMS and data services in addition to routing for 3rd party service providers such as navigation, digital signage and bank ATM devices
“Connectivity is a key differentiator for Stena Line, while high-quality telephony and internet access support our passengers’ satisfaction, crew welfare and operational efficiency,” said Raimo Warkki, commercials, ship communication and systems at Stena IT. “We have worked closely with Marlink for several years to develop and apply innovative new communication solutions designed to reduce costs and provide us with the facility to offer market leading connectivity services, which help to differentiate our offering in a very competitive marketplace.”
Marlink first provided communication services on Stena Saga in 1996, before rolling them out to the rest of the fleet in 2001. The line uses Marlink’s services for a range of applications including telephony and free internet access for passengers and crew; operational connectivity; and third party services such as onboard ATM and credit card authorisation.