**Copenhagen**: A.P. Moller – Maersk has partnered with Inmarsat Maritime to upgrade satellite communications across its fleet of 340 container ships by 2026, transforming them into ‘floating offices’ as part of its digital transformation strategy aimed at improving crew connectivity and operational efficiency.
A.P. Moller – Maersk, one of the world’s leading containership operators, has entered into an agreement with Inmarsat Maritime, a subsidiary of Viasat, to enhance satellite communications across its fleet of approximately 340 container ships. This initiative, which will implement bandwidth upgrades throughout the fleet between 2025 and 2026, is part of Maersk’s broader digital transformation strategy.
The upgrades aim to establish unified connectivity that will convert vessels into ‘floating offices’, allowing for advanced digital operations and improved crew connectivity. This transition is seen as pivotal in revolutionising maritime operations, leading to better automation and potentially paving the way for fully autonomous shipping in the future.
Karthikeyan Arumugam, Senior Product Manager at Maersk, highlighted the importance of connectivity, stating, “Connectivity is the key enabler in ensuring our vessels can become floating offices… The partnership with Inmarsat Maritime plays an important role in enriching application availability and performance – thereby supporting our digital transformation at sea.” He added that the enhanced connectivity is also essential for improving the working environment and welfare for crew members.
The service from Inmarsat Maritime will leverage a combination of Ka-band and ultra-resilient L-band networks, ensuring reliable and secure connectivity for Maersk’s fleet. Ben Palmer OBE, President of Inmarsat Maritime, noted that the ongoing partnership is tailored to meet the growing demands of maritime connectivity, ensuring that Maersk can maintain a continuous flow of information between ship and shore.
This collaboration signifies a commitment from Maersk to maintain its leadership in operational excellence and innovation within the maritime sector. By enhancing supplier relationships through initiatives like this, the company not only aims to boost its digital capabilities but also to improve revenue generation by optimising supply chain operations in an increasingly interconnected global shipping environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services
