With up to 43 crew members on board, the vessel needed terrestrial-like speeds and seamless internet access to meet modern-day demands for crew welfare, compliance, and operational efficiency. The solution delivered by AST Networks and Opus ensures uninterrupted connectivity, even when navigating in extreme weather conditions, maintaining reliable communications for up to 10 weeks at sea.
Challenges
Ensure continuous, high-speed connectivity for over 40 crew members
Deliver a high-capacity, high-performance solution with Arctic coverage
Support crew welfare and business operations despite harsh and unpredictable weather
JFK Seafoods needed a connectivity solution that would not only enable their new vessel to function efficiently as a fish processing and production hub, but also ensure that their crew could access modern conveniences such as internet communication, media streaming, and cloud-based services whilst away from shore.
Solution Delivered by AST Networks and Opus
To meet these demands, AST Networks turned to Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network, known for its reliability and high-performance connectivity in polar regions, making it ideal for the Gadus’ operation in the Arctic. Partnering with Opus, AST Networks installed Intellian’s dual parabolic OW70M antennas, selected for their ability to maintain high-speed, low-latency connectivity, even in extreme temperatures and challenging sea conditions.
Technology Used:
Eutelsat OneWeb LEO network: Provides guaranteed bandwidth and ensures uninterrupted service in remote locations.
Intellian OW70M terminals: These advanced terminals support seamless satellite handover and provide reliable high-speed performance, even in sub-zero temperatures, thanks to integrated heating technology.
The OW70m terminals allow the vessel to track and switch between satellites effortlessly, ensuring continuous connectivity despite the ship’s movement and potential satellite blockages. This solution was chosen for its optimised G/T (12.2dB/K), providing the capacity and low latency needed for critical operations and crew welfare.
Key Contributions from Opus
Opus played a pivotal role in the installation of the satellite terminals, ensuring that the system was tailored to meet the specific demands of Arctic operations. Their expertise ensured that the equipment was correctly integrated and optimised for harsh maritime environments. Working alongside AST Networks, Opus guaranteed the system’s long-term reliability, bringing their local knowledge and installation skills to the project.
Results and Benefits
With the successful implementation of the Eutelsat OneWeb network and Intellian hardware, the Gadus vessel is now equipped with world-class connectivity, transforming life and work on board.
Unmatched Arctic Connectivity: The Eutelsat OneWeb network ensures exceptional performance even in the polar regions, allowing the Gadus to maintain uninterrupted communications for business operations and crew needs.
Crew Welfare: The crew enjoys access to streaming services, real-time communication with family and friends, and cloud services, making extended voyages more comfortable and connected.
Business Continuity: Critical operational needs, such as file transfers, cloud access, and real-time communication, are fully supported, ensuring the smooth running of the vessel’s business functions.
Jonathan Lee, Technical Lead at AST Networks, remarked: “Through our partnership with Intellian, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Opus, we’ve delivered a solution that meets the rigorous demands of operating in the Northern Seas. Our integrated system ensures that the Gadus maintains reliable and high-speed connectivity, enhancing both crew welfare and business efficiency. Even in the harshest conditions, we’re setting new standards for maritime connectivity.”
Conclusion
The partnership between AST Networks, Opus, and Intellian has set a new benchmark for maritime connectivity, especially in extreme environments like the Arctic. By delivering reliable, high-speed internet access, the Gadus operates not only as a high-tech fishing vessel but also as a connected, comfortable workspace for its crew. The collaboration exemplifies how cutting-edge technology, and expert installation can provide superior results, no matter the challenges.
Stephen Conley, Eutelsat OneWeb Senior Director Maritime offering, said: “We are proud to be connecting 6,000 tonnes of modern technology that can float and fish more sustainably as well as improve the lives, workplace, and livelihoods of the people onboard who are away at sea for weeks at a time. With AST Networks we have deployed a solution with built-in service level agreements around the quality of service, as well as plans and features that are tailored to requirement, and a commitment to capacity that vessel owners, operators and crews everywhere will always demand at sea. Intellian’s OW70M is robust and built to withstand extreme temperatures and weathers. Partnerships like these help us to transform the maritime industry."
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