Toei Reefer Line Selects Inmarsat Nexuswave for Evolving Crew and Business Connectivity Needs
Rhea-AI Summary
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, announced that Toei Reefer Line will implement NexusWave connectivity service across its factory vessels. The system integrates Global Xpress Ka-band, Low-Earth Orbit, coastal LTE, and L-band services to provide reliable high-speed Internet with unlimited data and global coverage.
The implementation aims to enhance crew welfare by providing free, unlimited internet access for up to 50 crew members per vessel during extended periods at sea. Additionally, the technology will enable real-time monitoring of onboard temperature sensors, remote vessel network access, and deployment of cloud-based ship management applications.
Toei Reefer Line, a leading supplier of sashimi-grade tuna, operates sophisticated factory vessels capable of processing and storing cargo at temperatures as low as -55°C. The company prioritizes maintaining high-quality standards for the Japanese consumer market through specially trained personnel.
Positive
- Implementation of advanced connectivity solution enhancing operational efficiency
- Real-time monitoring capabilities for temperature-sensitive cargo
- Improved crew retention through enhanced welfare benefits
- Cost-effective unlimited data coverage globally
Negative
- Significant investment required for fleet-wide technology implementation
- Increased dependence on digital infrastructure for critical operations
Insights
Viasat's Inmarsat Maritime division has secured a notable commercial win with Toei Reefer Line, a premium Japanese tuna supplier, for its advanced NexusWave maritime connectivity solution. This represents positive momentum in Viasat's maritime vertical, showcasing the company's ability to capture high-value clients with specialized needs.
The deal has two key strategic elements: First, it targets vessels requiring sophisticated communications for maintaining premium product quality (
The NexusWave solution's technical architecture combines multiple connectivity technologies (Ka-band, LEO, coastal LTE, and L-band) to deliver reliable high-speed internet with unlimited data globally. This multi-modal approach creates competitive differentiation in the maritime connectivity market where reliability across diverse geographies is paramount.
From a business model perspective, this represents valuable recurring revenue for Viasat's maritime division. The unlimited data offering suggests a subscription-based model that provides predictable revenue streams. While financial terms weren't disclosed, maritime connectivity deals typically generate multi-year recurring revenue with healthy margins.
This win demonstrates Viasat's continued execution in vertical market expansion beyond its core satellite business, particularly important as the company navigates a challenging financial environment where incremental commercial wins strengthen investor confidence.
This contract win with Toei Reefer Line represents modest but strategic progress for Viasat's maritime business segment. The most significant technical aspect is the bonded connectivity approach combining multiple transmission technologies (GX Ka-band, LEO, LTE, and L-band) into a unified service - reflecting the industry's evolution toward multi-modal solutions rather than single-technology offerings.
The deal highlights two critical industry trends: First, the growing importance of crew welfare solutions as shipping companies compete for skilled labor; Second, the increasing digitalization of maritime operations with real-time monitoring capabilities and cloud-based applications becoming standard requirements.
While not transformative to Viasat's overall financial position, these specialized maritime contracts collectively contribute to the company's recurring revenue foundation. The maritime segment typically delivers higher-margin business compared to consumer broadband due to premium pricing justified by specialized requirements and remote deployment locations.
Strategically, this demonstrates that Viasat is effectively leveraging the Inmarsat acquisition to target vertical-specific use cases. The high-value cargo monitoring capabilities mentioned (temperature sensors for premium tuna) shows Viasat's ability to address specialized maritime applications rather than just generic connectivity.
For context, maritime connectivity represents a growth market as shipping companies increasingly require robust data capabilities for both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, with key competitors including Speedcast, KVH Industries, and Marlink all pursuing similar opportunities in this sector.
The fully managed bonded connectivity service will enable Toei Reefer Line to enhance crew welfare, better serve existing and future operational requirements, and respond to growing demand for real-time data monitoring on board its vessels
CARLSBAD, Calif., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, announced that Toei Reefer Line Ltd, a leading supplier of sashimi-grade tuna, will install NexusWave on board the company’s sophisticated factory vessels to support their evolving crew and business connectivity requirements.
To maintain a level of quality consistent with the high expectations of its end customers in the Japanese consumer market, Toei Reefer Line employs specially trained personnel to load and operate its factory vessels, which are equipped to process, prepare, and store high-value cargoes at temperatures as low as -55⁰ C. Prioritising crew welfare, the company strives to ensure its seafarers are well cared for, can access high-speed internet and keep in touch with family and friends while serving at sea, often for extended periods in remote locations.
Inmarsat’s NexusWave seamlessly integrates Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), coastal LTE, and L-band services to deliver reliable high-speed Internet with unlimited data and global coverage. As well as enabling Toei Reefer Line to provide its crews with free, unlimited internet access wherever its ships are sailing, the bonded reliable connectivity solution will allow the company to monitor onboard temperature sensors in real-time, seamlessly access vessel networks from shore, and deploy cloud-based applications for ship management.
Shinobu Iijima, IT Director, Toei Reefer Line Ltd, said: “Crew welfare is our top priority. We employ up to 50 crew per vessel and providing them with unlimited data while they spend many months out at sea away from their loved ones is a priority. At the same time, we have experienced a surge in business-related data consumption due to the growing demand for connected applications and real-time monitoring as our vessels increasingly function like floating factories.”
Gert-Jan Panken, Vice President Global Sales, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “Placing great emphasis on quality, Toei Reefer Line has high expectations for onboard connectivity, requiring a solution that supports its sophisticated business operations and crew welfare initiatives alike. We are proud that Toei Reefer Line has chosen Inmarsat NexusWave, which – with its speed, reliability, unlimited data, and global coverage – meets the specialised requirements of their most complex vessels and highly trained crews at sea.”
Contacts for media inquiries: PR@viasat.com
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.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aeb20c4f-644e-4c9b-80b7-0be09280bb66
FAQ
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