Aussie tech for Fred Olsen

UK BASED Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has awarded a fully managed communications contract to Speedcast International Limited, a Sydney technology firm listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Speedcast will provide end-to-end communications services for both voice and data across the Fred Olsen fleet, via a combination of ‘satellite very small aperture terminals’ (VSAT) and land-based 4G/LTE links.

Vessels covered include Fred Olsen’s Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch.

Speedcast’s multi-brand managed communications platform will be installed on the ships, constantly monitoring for and adopting the best fit satellite, wireless or terrestrial network.

The company’s Intelligent Communications Director technology will provide seamless, automatic switching between the various modes to “provide robust connectivity at all times,” the company said.

Fred Olsen head of IT Damon Impett said having access to a truly global communications network was the most compelling factor when selecting a vendor.

He said access to Speedcast’s network would allow the cruise line to operate more efficiently between ships and onshore offices.

Speedcast ceo PJ Beylier said the solution would include 24/7 support from the company’s customer service centres located on five continents, as well as robust monitoring tools to ensure the highest availability and most efficient use of satellite and 4G/ LTE connectivity.