Inmarsat Expands Presence in Expedition Cruise Segment with Fleet Xpress Orders for Three More Galápagos Vessels

Expedition vessels and superyachts can benefit from high data speeds, reliable coverage and access to digital crew welfare applications when sailing the remote archipelago

Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, is expanding its market presence in the luxury expedition market as a result of new orders for its industry-leading Fleet Xpress service covering three specialised Galápagos Islands vessels. The reliability and speed of the maritime broadband service will meet guest connectivity needs for the Quasar Expeditions luxury yachts Grace and Evolution and the Kleintours cruise ship Galapagos Legend, following two contracts signed with owners by Inmarsat partner Comsatel.

Located approximately 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands form a remote archipelago home to a unique and highly protected ecosystem. Relatively few vessels have access to its waters, and those that do accommodate only a small number of guests. Satellite communications in the surrounding area have typically been poor, with the islands’ topography affecting signal strength. However, expectations from yachts and cruise ships for internet access are growing.

Christian Cordoba, Maritime Channel Manager, Americas, Inmarsat, said: “Passenger demographics are changing, and with younger audiences come greater bandwidth demands. Today’s expedition guests visiting the Galápagos Islands want to share their experiences of this incredible destination on social media, or directly with friends and family, and this requires high data speeds and continuous connectivity. Fleet Xpress is therefore the ideal solution for high-end operators like Quasar Expeditions and Kleintours.”

In addition to delivering unequalled performance, Fleet Xpress offers access to further Inmarsat solutions such as Fleet Hotspot, which provides crew members with dedicated bandwidth to enjoy online entertainment and communication services without interfering with business-critical operations. Fleet Xpress also includes access to Fleet Connect, enabling Inmarsat’s Certified Application Providers to deliver valued-added services to ship operators worldwide, again via dedicated bandwidth.

Vikand, for example, is a telemedicine services provider whose solution, VIKAND HealthNet™, aims to prevent onboard medical situations from escalating into more serious emergencies. With Inmarsat partner Comsatel leading efforts to promote telemedicine in Galápagos expedition cruising, Vikand’s services are increasingly sought after among local operators.

Hector Baquerizo, CEO, Comsatel, said: “The yachts and cruise ships operating in the Galápagos Islands are luxury vessels that offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but their onboard connectivity has not always lived up to those high standards. Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress delivers a level of performance and a suite of solutions that will change the game for expedition cruise operators in the Galápagos Islands – in terms of both guest experience and crew welfare.”

Inmarsat’s relationship with Ecuador-based satellite communications provider Comsatel dates back to the early 2000s. In 2017, the two parties identified the strong potential for faster, more reliable connectivity on board Galápagos expedition cruises. Fleet Xpress has since become a fixture in the area, with the service already installed onboard 10 vessels; the recent orders from Quasar and Kleintours further enhance Inmarsat’s reputation in a market where demand for high data speeds and bandwidth is growing rapidly.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Jonathan Sinnatt / Matthew Knowles

Corporate Communications

Tel: +44 (0)788 960 5272 / +44 (0) 7725 476 507

press@inmarsat.com

or

Jules Riegal

Saltwater Stone

Tel: +44 (0)1202 669244

j.riegal@saltwater-stone.com