05 September 2017: Inmarsat has signed a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), leveraging the ‘smart ship’ connectivity offered by Fleet Xpress at the vessel construction stage.

The strategic agreement envisages the leading South Korean yard installing Inmarsat-approved terminal hardware and offering applications to cover remote machinery diagnostics and CCTV services, enabling satellite communications capabilities from the moment the ship is delivered.

The new service, named ‘Smart Ship’ by SHI, will allow owners to enhance efficiency by harvesting data from hull-monitors and equipment sensors onboard in real-time, via Inmarsat’s dedicated bandwidth for Certified Application Providers (CAPs).

New chapter

“Uptake of Fleet Xpress has been phenomenal since its launch in 2016 with over 10,000 vessels now committed to using the service,” said Ronald Spithout, Inmarsat Maritime President. “This agreement with SHI represents a new chapter in the story of smart shipping and the connected vessel.

“The Fleet Xpress service allows SHI to build-in new levels of vessel efficiency. This agreement demonstrates that the most forward-looking shipbuilders recognise collaboration as the key to shipping’s exploitation of the Internet of Things. It is also further evidence that Inmarsat and its partners are driving shipping towards value-added applications that are set to digitalise the industry and modes of operation.”

Subject to a definitive agreement, SHI will retain remote connections to vessels, while Inmarsat will support SHI’s services through a Certified Application Provider subscription.

Technology leader

“Samsung Heavy Industries Co. considers itself to be a technology leader which has always worked closely with owners to deliver ships that are smart, safe, efficient and sustainable,” said Dr. Booki Kim, Director of Central Research Institute, Samsung Heavy Industries & Construction Co.

“However, the smart ship of today demands intelligent solutions to cover remote operational management and equipment monitoring, and continuous lifecycle services to extend its life. As a global shipbuilder, SHI is partnering with Inmarsat in a mutual growth opportunity to deliver more competitive, next generation satellite-based vessel operations.”

SHI is a supplier of high-tech, high-value ships and it position as the world’s No. 1 builder of drill ships, Ultra Large Container Carriers, LNG carriers and Floating Production Storage and Offloading helps support its additional expertise in ship network systems, fuel gas supply and storage systems and ballast water management systems.

Applications ecosystem

Through its Certified Application Provider (CAP) programme, Inmarsat supports the global adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the maritime market, using the unique Fleet Xpress service.

Products become part of an eco-system of applications that broaden and enhance services beyond connectivity and enable ‘value-adds’ for end-users – for example, real-time analysis of data for engine monitoring, weather information and fuel consumption rates can deliver real gains in operational efficiency, safety and compliance, IT security and crew welfare.