Heavy-lift specialist buys VSAT package

Services will be provided by Mach6, a unit of Globecomm Maritime, using its global se@FLEX VSAT platform, which provides automatic roaming between Ku-band satellite beams on a global basis at a flat rate.

Global Seatrade provides transport for cargo, such as offshore wind turbines, that require specialised handling onboard the company’s heavy-lift vessels. Growing demand for its services led Global Seatrade to seek a unified communications platform to provide reliable broadband connectivity for its fleet.

The package includes prioritisation of mission-critical traffic, ensuring that vessel management, navigation and safety applications get priority over crew welfare communications. VOIP is available over broadband, which provides voice calls at significantly lower costs.

Se@FLEX is claimed to offer global coverage, seamless service and full transparency of costs and service levels. Se@FLEX is a VSAT-based service, with a Committed Information Rate (CIR) guarantee. Automatic switching technology maintains the VSAT link as vessels move between satellite beams. The same technology detects loss of VSAT availability and auto-switches service to L-band backup on demand.