“Low earth orbit constellations are helping yacht owners to harmonise the demand for top-level connectivity with the drive towards green goals,” says satcom specialist IEC Telecom.
High-end yacht guests now expect connectivity without compromise, and as the yachting industry rapidly expands, this demand is predicted to escalate. Some of the largest and most exclusive superyachts can spend upwards of $80k monthly on VSAT connectivity alone.
Starlink technology is on its way to transforming the status quo. The tariff plans for high-speed browsing will be comparable to GSM bills, unlocking new technology for the sector and paving the way to a more sustainable future.
Rising from a record of $5.3billion in 2021, superyacht sales are expected to reach more than $13bn by 2030. Ocean connectivity is helping to drive this growth since the ability to actively engage in real-time business operations from anywhere in the world encourages more wealthy or corporate clients to enjoy sailing. This fast-moving expansion has resulted in an increased carbon footprint, but digitalisation can play a crucial role in reducing this.
Today’s yacht operations are increasingly conducted via cloud-based platforms, reducing paperwork levels while increasing operational efficiency. Smart yachts equipped with high-speed connectivity solutions such as IEC Telecom’s XPAND portfolio, powered by Starlink, support a range of remote services. This enables the crew to run maintenance, manage network settings, and comply with regulations without calling into port. This significantly optimises fuel consumption and reduces the CO2 footprint per yacht.
XPAND comes with Starlink’s 350mbps high-speed and low-latency connection enhanced by onboard remote-accessible network management, reliable back-up, high-spec cyber security, 24/7 support, and a range of customisable value-added services and applications. This enables yacht owners to seamlessly manage their vessel and guest connectivity.
In the on-board domestic setting, iPad-controlled lighting and sound systems are now becoming standard. IEC Telecom takes this trend up a level by offering a more immersive experience for guests with its bespoke onboard information system. This technology allows synchronised reading from multiple devices and offers guests a range of useful information such as route, weather, menus, announcements from the captain, etc., via customised dashboards.
Gwenaël Lohéac, Chief Procurement Officer and President of Europe & West Africa at IEC Telecom Group explains: “The global coverage now available with Starlink has transformed maritime satcom options, but connectivity goes much further than just speed. Functionality and management of the system are crucial in order to make a ship smarter and able to operate at maximum efficiency. Being able to use a virtual dashboard gives far greater flexibility. Today’s leisure craft owners, operators and guests can legitimately expect to have shore-quality internet access at all times -wherever they sail- and this first-class connectivity needn’t cost the earth.”
IEC Telecom helps customers to reduce costs with its proprietary OneGate network management solution. This system allows onshore IT teams and the captain on board to monitor consummation in real time. The system is geared to route traffic over the most cost-effective channel with automated failover to LTE, where possible. The network setup can be upgraded/updated remotely via a digital OptiView dashboard, saving time and fuel for the vessel owner.
Following its recent acquisition of Palma-based Maritime Network Systems (MNS) -an experienced provider of connectivity services in the Mediterranean area- IEC Telecom Group is well-positioned to deliver a wider range of solutions to yachting customers. The company’s enhanced portfolio includes cutting-edge Starlink connectivity, customised VSAT systems, 3/4/5G connectivity, resilient L-band backup services, cloud-based and IoT applications, and advanced cyber security systems.
Tailor-made hybrid satellite/LTE solutions bring the benefits of digitalisation to all leisure craft, from mega and super yachts to sailing boats and fishing vessels.
IEC Telecom / MNS will be exhibiting in the Palma Superyacht Village at Palma International Boat Show (27th to 30th April). Visit us in the Varadero Area at booth SY34.
About IEC Telecom
IEC Telecom Group is a leading international satellite service operator with nearly three decades of engineering expertise in end-to-end low and high-throughput cyber-secure voice and data services for land and maritime use. The brand’s portfolio includes a wide range of hybrid satellite and LTE products, solutions, and value-added services.
Our business relationships with the key satellite operators, including Starlink, Inmarsat, Intersal, Eutelsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Yahsat, put us in the unique position to support organisations with global operations as well as offer a wide variety of plans for area-by-area use to regional customers.
IEC Telecom’s integrated approach to in-house design and engineering expertise allows us to develop truly unique solutions that enable full control over customer satellite assets.
Our portfolio includes a wide range of satellite products (from handset to VSAT services), solutions, and value-added services. In addition, we offer 24/7 support for satellite-based solutions during their full lifecycle.
IEC Telecom Group has offices across eight countries: France, UAE, Kazakhstan, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Turkey and Spain.
For more information browse our website: www.iec-telecom.com
