Seaspan Corporation Partners with KVH for Enhanced Ship Connectivity Using OneWeb Solutions
Seaspan Corporation, a renowned leader in the global container shipping industry, has recently announced a significant partnership with KVH Industries to integrate OneWeb's advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology into its fleet. This strategic move marks a pivotal enhancement in the company's mission to provide robust internet connectivity that mirrors the reliability of onshore services, thus supporting its ongoing digital transformation efforts.
An Innovative Step towards Digital Connectivity
With this agreement, Seaspan aims to revolutionize ship-board communications by employing KVH's OneWeb service, becoming the first major containership fleet to leverage this pioneering technology. This integration promises to drastically improve the data connectivity infrastructure of Seaspan's vessels, enabling the implementation of high-capacity applications such as cloud-based software solutions that were previously considered unsuitable for maritime operations.
Garret Wong, Vice President of Information Technology at Seaspan, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "This collaboration with KVH for OneWeb services effectively aligns with our commitment to ensuring a superior communication experience across our fleet. Our goal is to facilitate shore-like internet access at sea, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and the well-being of our crew members."
The introduction of OneWeb's LEO technologies stands as a significant advancement for maritime communications, promising high bandwidth, low latency, and exceptional reliability that far outstrips traditional maritime satellite solutions. This partnership not only elevates the data capabilities available on Seaspan's vessels but also addresses geographical communication challenges that often hinder maritime operations.
Enhancing Provider Diversity and Reliability
Adrian Alb, Senior Manager of IT Operations at Seaspan, emphasized the advantages of adopting LEO technology, stating, "The capabilities of LEO satellites set a new standard for vessel communications. This collaboration with KVH plays a crucial role in enhancing our service provider diversity and minimizing occurrences of geographical blackout zones, thus strengthening our satellite communication infrastructure."
This initiative further underscores Seaspan's quest to equip its fleet with the latest technological advancements, that allows it to meet the complex demands of modern maritime operations.
KVH's Role in the Partnership
Chad Impey, SVP for Global Sales at KVH, also reflected on the partnership’s potential, remarking, "We are excited to support Seaspan with the deployment of our OneWeb service and associated hardware as part of our integrated KVH ONE multi-orbit, multi-channel network solution."
As Seaspan moves forward with the integration of OneWeb’s advanced LEO satellite technology, it reiterates its commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies tailored for its fleet and modernizing maritime operations comprehensively. This partnership stands testament to Seaspan's visionary approach to ship communications and reflects its readiness to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving industry.
About Seaspan Corporation
Seaspan Corporation is widely recognized as a leading independent owner and operator of containerships, focusing on long-term, fixed-rate leases to premier shipping lines globally. As of the end of September 2024, Seaspan's operational fleet amounted to 218 vessels, with a total capacity nearing 2.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) when fully delivered. To learn more, visit their official website at seaspancorp.com.
About KVH Industries
KVH Industries is a global frontrunner in delivering mobile connectivity solutions, including maritime applications, through its KVH ONE® network. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Middletown, Rhode Island, KVH specializes in providing a range of connectivity solutions for various sectors, including commercial maritime and government applications. The company also boasts a wide array of products under its TracNet™, TracPhone®, and TracVision brands.