Press release -
Marlink: Marlink providing record breaking 300 Mbps broadband for MSC Cruises
MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises’ first next generation ship, will meet promotional needs for this week’s maiden voyage with bandwidth boost for VIP passengers
Oslo/Paris, 6 June 2017: Marlink’s Sealink VSAT is providing an unprecedented over 300 Mbps bandwidth for super-fast maritime broadband during the maiden voyage of MSC Cruises’ first next-generation new mega-ship, MSC Meraviglia. The record breaking bandwidth will meet a predicted spike in demand for this week’s milestone voyage, as guests on the most sophisticated ‘floating town’ in the world share their first-hand experiences and memories on Social Media.
The temporary 300 Mbps is being provided to MSC Cruises in another industry first in conjunction with the coming into service of the Company's newest flagship MSC Meraviglia. It is a further reflection of MSC Cruises’ focus on cutting-edge innovation across the board.
Marlink provides connectivity for MSC Cruises’ entire fleet in an optimised, dedicated ‘cloud of bandwidth’, which facilitates high flexibility for i.e., seasonal usage patterns. Sealink VSAT ensures bandwidth is always available for guests to experience fast, always available access to the Internet and Social Media.
While the record-breaking 300 Mbps is required to ensure that the extra data load of a star-studded, media-packed maiden voyage along the Atlantic coast and into the Mediterranean is more than catered for, the on-going Sealink VSAT service for MSC Meraviglia will continuously deliver an unmatched connectivity experience for over 4500 guests.
Marlink has worked closely with all partners to ensure MSC Meraviglia’s guests enjoy the best maritime broadband possible. Connectivity will be delivered on the Intelsat EpicNG High Throughput Satellite (HTS) network and enabled on board by cutting edge iDirect 9350 modems.
By combining its industry leading satellite capacity planning and access to bandwidth on all major satellite constellations with engineering expertise and an extensive, technology agnostic portfolio of multi-band services and solutions, Marlink is able to provide high bandwidth and flexibility for cruise customers through the global multi-band Sealink network.
“Essentially floating towns, cruise ships are both technologically demanding and bandwidth hungry, so we have taken a pioneering and collaborative approach to meeting the very specific bandwidth needs of this sector. MSC Meraviglia’s maiden voyage is an ideal platform to demonstrate the possibilities of the Sealink network and new HTS services like Intelsat EpicNG, while the regular on-going Sealink service will support guest satisfaction on connectivity across the fleet,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink.
Marlink has provided Sealink VSAT services to MSC Cruises since 2004 and continues to develop its services in line with the changing requirements of cruise companies and guests. In June 2016, MSC Cruises and Marlink enhanced guest connectivity across the fleet with state-of-the-art technology, including use of the Intelsat EpicNG satellites, deployed to meet the growing demand from guests for fast Social Media and web access, in addition to improving work and streaming services.
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For further information, please contact:
Knut Natvig, Marlink
T: +47 48 030 911
E: knut.natvig@marlink.com
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About the Marlink / Telemar Group
Through its ownership of both Marlink and Telemar, Apax Partners has created a Group dedicated to providing the maritime industry with an integrated offering of broadband communications, digital solutions, bridge electronics and on-board maintenance. The Group is led by Erik Ceuppens as CEO.
Combining the power of these two long-term, expert organisations, Telemar and Marlink are the world’s leading maritime communication, digital solutions and servicing specialist covering all customer segments at sea including: Shipping, Offshore, Cruise & Ferry, Yachting and Fishing. The newly combined group will generate US $440 Million in revenues with more than 800 employees worldwide serving at least 1 in 3 vessels operating globally. The group will also continue to deliver the benefits of a digital and connected world to enterprise customers such as energy and mining companies, humanitarian organisations, global media and events companies.
The new Group will provide customers with unrivalled service and support through an enhanced global footprint and worldwide sales and service locations. A global 24/7 helpdesk, specialised competence centres, local presence on all continents and a network of 1250 service points and partners staffed by highly qualified, certified service engineers, will support global customers to operate smarter and safer.
More than 70 years’ experience combined with strong satellite network operator and bridge electronics manufacturer partnerships enables the group to bring the power of broadband communication, maritime bridge technology and service excellence to customers globally, further optimising their business operations and enabling the digital vessels of tomorrow.
