Inmarsat Maritime, part of Viasat, and South Korean telecom provider SK telink have teamed up to boost digital transformation in South Korea's shipping industry.
This partnership aims to enhance collaboration, allowing the implementation of NexusWave services—next-generation connectivity solutions—across various ship types, including car carriers, container ships, and very large crude carriers (VLCCs). This initiative will benefit South Korean shipping companies like HMM and SINOKOR, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, resilience, and crew welfare.
With a strategic partnership that goes back to 2007, Inmarsat Maritime and SK telink are dedicated to addressing South Korea's evolving maritime connectivity needs. By merging Inmarsat Maritime’s global network and maritime knowledge with SK telink’s strong presence in the market, the two companies aim to help shipping operators accelerate their digital transformation amidst a complex operational landscape.
As ship operations become more data-driven, reliable connectivity is essential for business success. NexusWave from Inmarsat Maritime offers the digital infrastructure needed for cloud applications, remote technical support, cybersecurity measures, vessel performance optimization, and better-connected crews. For South Korean operators engaged in extensive trade across Asia, NexusWave offers the tools to navigate complex regulations, drawing from Inmarsat Maritime’s deep understanding of regulatory environments and strong market relationships. This service can manage network availability while ensuring continuous connectivity.
Moreover, the forthcoming ViaSat-3 service is set to significantly improve capacity in the region. Its integration with NexusWave is designed to provide better performance, capacity, and flexibility for customers operating on some of the world's busiest maritime routes.
Mr. Shin-Yong Lee, Head of Satellite Business Division at SK telink, stated: “Connectivity is vital for the safe and efficient operation of a modern fleet. Shipping companies need a robust digital platform to support operational tasks, cybersecurity needs, and the expectations of today’s crew. NexusWave meets these demands, and we are eager to offer its advanced features to more South Korean operators, helping them gain more from connected, data-driven operations.”
Justin Yi, Regional Director for APAC at Inmarsat Maritime, added: “South Korea is leading the way in global shipping innovation, with operators adopting technologies that improve performance and competitiveness. This agreement showcases the strength of our long-term partnership with SK telink and the increasing push towards digitalization in maritime operations. Together, we are laying the groundwork for South Korean shipowners to fully capitalize on a connected, data-driven future.”