Inmarsat has gained contracts to provide high-speed, reliable satellite communications to three vessels built to sail guests around the Galápagos Islands off Ecuador.
Through its distributor partner Comsatel, Fleet Xpress hardware and services will be installed on two luxury yachts, Grace and Evolution, operated by Quasar Expeditions and on Kleintours’ cruise ship Galapágos Legend.
Fleet Xpress combines Ka-band Global Xpress with L-band FleetBroadband.
When these vessels sail around the remote archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean, passengers will be able to use internet services for communications and social media.
Communications in the area surrounding the Galápagos Islands, which are 1,000 km off the Ecuadorean coast, have typically been poor, with the islands’ topography affecting signal strength.
However, passenger expectations for internet access are growing and Inmarsat’s satellites will provide more reliable connectivity.
“Passenger demographics are changing, and with younger audiences come greater bandwidth demands,” explained Inmarsat Americas’ maritime channel manager Christian Cordoba.
“Today’s expedition guests visiting the Galápagos Islands want to share their experiences of this incredible destination on social media, or directly with friends and family, and this requires high data speeds and continuous connectivity.”
Fleet Xpress connectivity will also be used for crew welfare and operational applications. These valued-added services can be delivered through Inmarsat’s certified application providers, and dedicated bandwidth for seafarers.
Application provider Vikand will provide HealthNet telemedicine services on these vessels to prevent onboard medical situations from escalating into more serious emergencies.
Comsatel promotes the use of telemedicine and higher levels of connectivity on Galápagos expedition cruises.
“The yachts and cruise ships operating in the Galápagos Islands are luxury vessels that offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but their onboard connectivity has not always lived up to those high standards,” said Comsatel chief executive Hector Baquerizo.
“Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress delivers a level of performance and a suite of solutions that will change the game for expedition cruise operators in the Galápagos Islands – in terms of both guest experience and crew welfare.”
Fleet Xpress has already been installed on board 10 vessels operating around these islands.
