Eutelsat OneWeb LEO connectivity for Ponant
November 7, 2023
Marlink, the smart network and digital solutions company, has partnered with LEO internet operator, Eutelsat OneWeb, part of Eutelsat Group, to provide digital connectivity solutions to Ponant, a specialist in exploration cruise, within its smart hybrid network.
Ponant will deploy the Eutelsat OneWeb service on its polar exploration ship Le Commandant Charcot, the luxury icebreaker, providing guests and crew with high throughput and low latency internet access across the vessel’s itinerary. The bandwidth delivered by Eutelsat OneWeb will enable Ponant’s seamless collaboration between the ship’s bridge, engineering crew and shore teams. Guests will enjoy better connectivity to friends and family and access streaming video or social media.
Marlink has deployed a complete hybrid network solution onboard Le Commandant Charcot, combining GEO VSAT, LEO services and 4G/5G cellular services.
Based on a Service Level Agreement (SLA) model, Ponant has service levels defined by Committed Information Rate (CIR) and Maximum Information Rate (MIR). A fully encrypted network uses a layered service approach to ensure complete privacy while multiple service profiles can segregate crew and operational traffic on the same terminal.
With 634 satellites now in orbit, the Eutelsat Group’s LEO constellation is complete and fully operational down to 25 degrees latitude. The company is continuing to progress the roll out of its ground station infrastructure which will enable global maritime services. Today, Eutelsat OneWeb is selling connectivity services to the maritime industry, via its specialist maritime distribution partners such as Marlink.
Carole Plessy, VP Europe and Maritime, Eutelsat OneWeb said: “This is a new generation of broadband services for maritime, powered by LEO satellites to create a truly global connectivity platform to bring fibre to the high seas. Eutelsat OneWeb and Marlink service will support Ponant in its ongoing digitalisation, both on and offshore and Ponant’s guests with a high-quality internet experience to match its refined experience. Marlink is a highly respected industry leader and we are delighted to be continuing in our partnership.”
“Marlink is delighted to apply its expertise in integrating the latest new technologies with the addition to Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO solution to the smart hybrid network available to guests and crew onboard Le Commandant Charcot,” says Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink. “The Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO constellation provides a new level of user experience onboard ship, unlocking new applications as well as supporting safer, more efficient sailing.”