Press release -
Marlink: First of four new Stena Line ferries joins Marlink's multi-band communications network
Long-term partnership meets growing demand for broadband, helping one of Europe’s largest ferry operators to deliver communication service availability and value for more than 7 millionpassengers a year
Oslo/Paris, 11 January 2016: Marlink has added the first out of four additional Stena Line ships to its multi-band communications network. Marlink now serves the entire fleet of Stena Line vessels, ensuring high levels of connectivity for passengers and crew, in addition to operational applications and commercial businesses on board. Marlink will also further increase available capacity to Stena Line vessels with an additional 10-15%, following the tripled bandwidth increase in June 2016, ensuring that Stena Line can meet the on-going growth in demand for bandwidth at sea.
As one of the largest ferry operators in Europe and the world, more than 7 million people a year travel to their destination with Stena Line. The company defines on board communications as a critical passenger satisfaction indicator so it is committed to offering the best available technology and services for its customers.
Stena Line is today well recognised as an early adopter of new communication services, having worked closely with Marlink since the mid-nineties to introduce several ‘firsts’ in the world of maritime communication; including paving the way for multi-band networks that deliver high availability, redundancy and value for money.
Marlink has developed one of the most advanced multi-band networks for the Stena Line fleet, based on seamless integration of VSAT and GSM 3/4G services for connectivity during voyages in addition to in-port Internet Wi-Fi networks. The service was upgraded this summer, with three times more bandwidth added to the Stena-Line ‘Closed User Group’ (CUG), which guarantees bandwidth availability and flexibility for all vessels in the network.
The capacity in Stena Line’s dedicated CUG will be increased by a further 10-15% early in 2017. Stena Line’s industry leading multiband solution enables high availability of voice and Internet, serving hundreds of passengers simultaneously. With a pool of bandwidth reserved just for the Stena Line fleet, the CUG also provides the flexibility to optimise connectivity based on current demands of the fleet.
Stena Line vessels receiving connectivity within 3/4G coverage areas or Wi-Fi while in port will require less from the VSAT CUG capacity, allowing even more satellite bandwidth to be available for other vessels and passengers at sea. Switching between VSAT, 3/4G and port Wi-Fi services when docked is seamless, allowing passengers and businesses on board to benefit from reliable multi-band Internet connectivity that can be relied upon throughout a voyage.
“Reliable and always available Internet access and voice calling services are important for passengers,” said Raimo Warkki, Stena IT. “With Marlink as a long-term partner we have been able to evolve our on board communication services to keep pace with changing demands, and we are confident that the new vessels on the Marlink network will experience the same premium communication capabilities that the rest of our fleet experience.”
“Always at the leading-edge of maritime communication services, Stena Line has proven itself as one of the most forward thinking ship-owners in the world,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. “We’re delighted to add four more vessels to the Stena Line CUG, helping them to meet the communication needs of even more passengers.”
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Knut Natvig, Marlink
T: +47 48 030 911
E: knut.natvig@marlink.com
www.marlink.com
Related links
About the Marlink / Telemar Group
Through its ownership of both Marlink and Telemar, Apax Partners has created a Group dedicated to providing the maritime industry with an integrated offering of broadband communications, digital solutions, bridge electronics and on-board maintenance. The Group is led by Erik Ceuppens as CEO.
Combining the power of these two long-term, expert organisations, Telemar and Marlink are the world’s leading maritime communication, digital solutions and servicing specialist covering all customer segments at sea including: Shipping, Offshore, Cruise & Ferry, Yachting and Fishing. The newly combined group will generate US $450 Million in revenues with more than 800 employees worldwide serving at least 1 in 3 vessels operating globally. The group will also continue to deliver the benefits of a digital and connected world to enterprise customers such as energy and mining companies, humanitarian organisations, global media and events companies.
The new Group will provide customers with unrivalled service and support through an enhanced global footprint and worldwide sales and service locations. A global 24/7 helpdesk, specialised competence centres, local presence on all continents and a network of 1000 service points staffed by highly qualified, certified service engineers, will support global customers to operate smarter and safer.
More than 70 years’ experience combined with strong satellite network operator and bridge electronics manufacturer partnerships enables the group to bring the power of broadband communication, maritime bridge technology and service excellence to customers globally, further optimising their business operations and enabling the digital vessels of tomorrow.
