In a move that’s set to ripple through the maritime industry, Inmarsat Maritime, now a Viasat company, has inked a renewed deal with Norwegian sustainable scallop harvesting pioneer, Ava Ocean. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on at sea; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in remote, harsh environments. The deal will see Ava Ocean’s new vessel equipped with Inmarsat’s latest fully managed bonded connectivity service, NexusWave, later this year. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap into the future of maritime connectivity.
Ava Ocean, formerly known as Tau Tech, has been making waves with its sustainable approach to scallop harvesting in the Barents Sea. They’ve already been relying on Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress to keep their existing ship connected, but NexusWave is set to take things to a whole new level. This state-of-the-art solution is a masterclass in connectivity, seamlessly combining multiple high-speed networks in real-time. We’re talking GX Ka-band, LEO, LTE, and a resilient L-band network, with plans to incorporate the ViaSat-3 Ka-band network down the line. It’s not just about speed; it’s about reliability, coverage, and the ability to handle unlimited data. This is a game-changer for operations in some of the most isolated locations on the planet.
Captain Robin Vestad of Ava Ocean put it succinctly, “Our unique fishing operation takes place in the Barents Sea, where Fleet Xpress has been valuable to maintain stable communications supporting both operations and crew welfare. For the new vessel, we look forward to upgrading to Inmarsat’s NexusWave, further improving communication channels onboard.” It’s not just about the tech; it’s about how it enhances the lives of the crew and the sustainability of the operation.
Christopher Hansen, Sales Manager at Inmarsat Maritime, echoed this sentiment, “It is a privilege to continue our collaboration with Ava Ocean – a company that leads the way in sustainable seabed harvesting in the Arctic Ocean. Designed to meet our customers’ evolving needs, NexusWave intelligently orchestrates multiple networks to provide seamless, always-on connectivity that supports digital transformation and enhances crew welfare to a standard commensurate with a new era of shipping.” This isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about setting the pace.
So, what does this mean for the future of the maritime industry? Well, it’s a clear sign that the future is all about connectivity, sustainability, and digitalisation. As Ava Ocean’s technology allows for the identification, selection, and sorting of bottom-dwelling marine fauna without damaging the ecosystem, the role of reliable, high-speed network coverage becomes ever more crucial. This approach isn’t just about harvesting; it’s about preserving and revitalising the ocean floor. It’s a bold step towards a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. There are challenges ahead, from accessing third-party capacity and services to the risks associated with satellite construction, launch, and operation. Yet, the potential benefits are immense. As Inmarsat Maritime and Ava Ocean push the boundaries of what’s possible, they’re setting a new standard for the industry. It’s a wake-up call to other players in the sector: adapt, innovate, or get left behind. The future of maritime is here, and it’s connected, sustainable, and digital. So, buckle up, because it’s going to be one heck of a ride.