Solvang Commits to Inmarsat Nexuswave Fleetwide for Crew and Business Connectivity
Rhea-AI Summary
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Solvang to implement NexusWave connectivity service across their gas carrier fleet. The fully managed bonded connectivity service will support the company's 27-vessel fleet, including six semi-refrigerated ethylene carriers, eight large gas carriers, and 13 very large gas carriers.
NexusWave combines LEO, GEO, LTE, and L-band networks to deliver maximum download speeds of 340 Mbps and upload speeds of 80 Mbps, with network availability exceeding 99.9%. The service provides unlimited data and global coverage, supporting cloud-based business applications and video conferencing while enabling crew members to maintain contact with family.
Initial testing on the Clipper Explorer, a Solvang very large gas carrier, has demonstrated smooth operation of online applications with higher connection speeds and zero downtime, according to vessel Master feedback.
Positive
- Secured fleet-wide agreement with major gas shipping company Solvang
- Service provides high-speed connectivity with 99.9% network availability
- Technology demonstrates proven performance in real-world maritime testing
Negative
- None.
Insights
Viasat's maritime subsidiary Inmarsat has secured a fleet-wide connectivity agreement with Norwegian gas shipping company Solvang, representing a positive commercial win in the maritime sector. While financial terms remain undisclosed, this deal covers implementation across Solvang's entire fleet of 27 vessels, including six semi-refrigerated ethylene carriers, eight large gas carriers, and 13 very large gas carriers (with seven under construction).
The agreement showcases market validation for Inmarsat's NexusWave technology, which combines multiple network types (LEO, GEO, LTE, and L-band) into a bonded connection that delivers impressive performance metrics: maximum download speeds of
From a business perspective, this represents Viasat's continued execution in monetizing its Inmarsat acquisition through high-value maritime customers. The shipping industry increasingly relies on robust connectivity for operational efficiency, particularly for cloud-based applications and video conferencing capabilities that NexusWave enables. The positive customer testimonials regarding improved performance and reliability suggest potential for strong customer retention and possible upsell opportunities.
While this single contract is unlikely to materially impact Viasat's
Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity service, NexusWave, supports evolving crew and business requirements across Solvang’s advanced gas carrier fleet.
CARLSBAD, Calif., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Solvang to equip the company’s fleet with Inmarsat’s NexusWave fully managed bonded connectivity service to support the leading gas shipping company’s evolving crew and business connectivity requirements.
Solvang’s fleet, which includes six semi-refrigerated ethylene carriers, eight large gas carriers, and 13 very large gas carriers (including seven newbuilds), depends on reliable satellite connectivity. This connectivity is crucial for running cloud-based business applications and video conferencing, as well as ensuring that crew members can stay in touch with their family and friends. Inmarsat’s NexusWave will provide Solvang with high-speed, reliable service, along with unlimited data and global coverage, thereby supporting the Norway-based company’s evolving connectivity demands.
The fully managed NexusWave service combines LEO, GEO, LTE, and L-band network underlays in one bonded connection to achieve maximum download speeds of up to 340 megabits per second, maximum upload speeds of up to 80 Mbps, and network availability exceeding
Leveraging unique network bonding technology, NexusWave ensures managed performance levels regardless of the vessel’s location or requirements, with full transparency on the total cost of ownership.
Terje Skaar, Superintendent - Electro, Solvang ASA, commented: “In a rapidly evolving maritime industry, our operations are increasingly reliant on cloud-based solutions and video conferencing, while our seafarers expect a home-like Internet experience on board the ship. With NexusWave, our vessels will be seamlessly connected to high-speed Internet at all times – with no unexpected costs and a single point of contact for support and service.”
Evaluating NexusWave’s performance on board the Solvang very large gas carrier Clipper Explorer, the vessel Master reported: “I only have positive things to say about NexusWave. Since the service was installed, our online applications have been running smoothly, with higher connection speeds than ever, no downtime, and not a single issue reported by crew.”
“Initial feedback from vessels equipped with NexusWave vessels has been very positive,” said Christopher Hansen, Sales Manager, Inmarsat Maritime. “We have verified the service’s exceptional speed and reliability through rigorous real-world testing. Now, shipping operators are experiencing the benefits of seamless business communications and home-like connectivity for crew. We also see that ship owners appreciate the convenience and simplicity of partnering with a single, trusted provider at a time when shipping operations increasingly depend on the power of multiple networks.”
About Inmarsat Maritime
Inmarsat is a Viasat company and continues to power the digitalisation of the maritime industry. With over 40 years of experience, Inmarsat Maritime offers reliable and innovative solutions that enable ship owners and operators to stay connected, navigate safely, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure crew welfare.
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are - on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads and YouTube.
Inmarsat Maritime is based in Viasat’s global international business headquarters in London, United Kingdom. For further information about Inmarsat Maritime, visit Inmarsat.com/maritime and follow us on LinkedIn.
Viasat, Inc. Contacts
PR Contact – Richard Jones, External Communications, PR@Viasat.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19544779-d133-4d0b-bc76-38db28f83e0d
FAQ
What are the maximum speeds offered by Inmarsat's NexusWave service for VSAT maritime connectivity?
How many vessels will be equipped with NexusWave in Solvang's fleet agreement with VSAT?
What network technologies does NexusWave combine in its maritime connectivity solution?
What was the performance feedback from Solvang's Clipper Explorer testing of NexusWave?
