KVH buys Videotel

Videotel offers video, animation, e-learning computer-based training (CBT), and interactive distance learning courses, while KVH specialises in broadband satellite communications.

“The acquisition of Videotel is an important addition to our portfolio of services targeting the needs of commercial seafarers and supports our strategic vision of extending our maritime broadband service to include delivering premium content to vessels,” said Martin Kits van Heyningen, CEO of KVH. “We already offer maritime companies crew connectivity through our mini-VSAT broadband network, including Internet café, voice over IP phone calls, and crew entertainment services via our IP-MobileCast service. With this acquisition, we will now also offer an extensive library of seafarer training courses and related training services.”

Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel, said, “Advances in maritime broadband services are creating truly exciting opportunities to bring a whole new generation of computer-based e-learning and distance learning courses to seafarers, which will help our customers meet the large number of new regulations and associated challenges that will come into effect over the next few years. We’re excited to be part of the KVH family to propel the company forward on both the technological and delivery front, as well as to work with our new colleagues in developing the next generation of seafarer training.”