Inmarsat launches new data academy

The landmark was reached during the same month as Inmarsat’s new GX5 satellite entered service.

“With 10,000 vessels worldwide now depending on Fleet Xpress 24/7, this is a moment to express our thanks to our end-users and our technology, installation, manufacturing and channel partners, and to reflect on 2020 as the tipping point for maritime digitalisation,” said Ronald Spithout, president, Inmarsat Maritime.

“That is why we have launched our new Fleet Data Academy in order to work together with partners and end-users to realise the full benefits of digitalisation,” he added.

A survey of 370 ship owners commissioned by Inmarsat at the end of 2020 saw 71% of respondents citing cost reduction and operational efficiencies as a top three driver for digitalisation, while compliance featured as a top three concern for 60%.

“Maritime digitalisation is now unstoppable,” said Mr Spithout. “Our recent experience in offering Fleet Data as integral to Fleet Xpress at no additional cost suggests that [owners] quickly recognise its value and the benefits of using our ecosystem of partners.”

Inmarsat’s technology roadmap will see a further seven satellite launches over the next four years, with two in highly elliptical orbit delivering what is said to be the world’s only commercial Arctic mobile broadband service.