The Ocean Nova vessel. Photo: Inmarsat

[Via Satellite 02-22-2016] Inmarsat, together with Global Marine Networks and Network Innovations, announced the successful trial and subsequent commercial order for Fleet Xpress, the hybrid Ka- and L-band service using Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network, in Antarctic waters. Fleet Xpress, installed on board the adventure cruise ship Ocean Nova, delivered robust communications in a very hostile environment.

The trial was successfully conducted on board Nova Cruising’s 1992-built, ice-class Ocean Nova, operated by Nova Logistics, a polar expedition specialist.

“Our customers rely on us to provide cutting-edge satellite services,” said Luis Soltero, chief technology officer at Global Marine Networks, which offers a range of Internet-based services, hardware and software to commercial clients. “Fleet Xpress delivered on its promise of high-speed seamless mobile broadband service in one of the world’s most difficult areas for most satellite systems. Antarctica requires low-horizon satellite views through heavy cloud cover and precipitation. Fleet Xpress successfully overcame these conditions,” he added.

In this trial, Network Innovations, one of Inmarsat’s first value-added resellers of Fleet Xpress, was able to support Global Marine Networks and the crew of the Ocean Nova, which used a Cobham Sailor 100GX antenna.