Inmarsat Hosts First Maritime Industry Open Debate on Shore-Ship Comm; Frank Coles Comments

Inmarsat on Feb. 12 launched the first of a series of events seeking an open debate regarding the operating benefits of shore and ship communications in the maritime industry, The Maritime Executive reported Wednesday. 

During the smart operations conference held in London, Frank Coles, Inmarsat president, said that ship to shore connectivity in the industry is not at par with ashore data access.

“The industrial internet is here and shipping will have to accept it. With ships already featuring ever increasing numbers of sensors, smart operational decision-making is available through advanced analytics. Inmarsat is developing the platform that will enable the Maritime Industrial Internet age,” Coles said.

Communication within the industry will help implement new and efficient data technologies as ultra-fast data transfer rates are already in sight, Coles said, according to the report.

He added that it is possible that the current rate of sending data in 2MB bundles can reach 15 MB to 20MB.

Inmarsat expects to hold similar industry events throughout the year in Hamburg, Hong Kong and Athens.