Castor Marine, the Netherlands-based maritime communications and IT services provider, announces yesterday that it has been awarded a multi-year contract with Wagenborg Shipping. The contract covers the delivery of 40+ new VSAT systems with satellite Internet based on Castor’s global VSAT network, Inmarsat Fleetbroadband as back-up for the VSAT service and IT support for the vessel LAN infrastructure. Castor Marine will provide an end-to-end solution including installation and onboard support worldwide.
Photo: Cargo ship Egbert Wagenborg delivered to Wagenborg on Apr28, 2017 from Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard.This new Open Top Multipurpose Ice Classed vessel of 14.300 tonnes DWT, is Wagenborg’s first Easymax vessel. The vessel started her maiden trip on April 30th by leaving the port of Delfzijl to load limestone in Storugns (Sweden) for Kokkola (Finland). - Image courtesy of Wagenborg
This setup enables Wagenborg Shipping to enhance crew welfare and ship to shore connectivity using Castor’s global Ku-band footprint.
Theo Klimp, Fleet Director at Wagenborg Shipping, said: “Increasing business and crew demand for fast and reliable internet requires an integrated IT and communication solution from a proven satellite service provider. Castor Marine is not only a satellite network operator with its own teleport facilities, but also understands and supports our IT infrastructure onboard. They are able to provide a full end-to-end solution including hardware lease, VSAT bandwidth, Inmarsat Fleetbroadband airtime and installation and support. We found in Castor Marine a partner that has, and can further develop, services to support our IT requirements over time. Castor Marine has installed VSAT systems on 9 vessels already, and our crew members are very satisfied.”
Ivo Veldkamp, CEO of Castor Marine, concluded: “We are honored that Wagenborg Shipping places their trust in us. This deal also underlines our unique selling points for the maritime market: Castor Marine not only offers highly reliable maritime Ku-band services as a network operator, but also designs and support the IT infrastructure to meet the needs of business and crew welfare applications of the most demanding customers, such as Wagenborg Shipping.”
Source: Castor Marine