Maritime: Ports and Ships

Wireless maritime communications can be divided into two major types: terrestrial and non-terrestrial. Cellular connectivity provides high-speed bandwidth and better latency when compared to satellite communications. This is why cellular networks are an essential part of maritime communications toolset. Whether is it is for commercial vessels, leisure boats or ports, cellular networks guarantee good coverage even in remote locations. 

Nowadays, connectivity applications include communications related to the main operational purpose of the vessel, such as cargo logistics, route planning, upload of gathered data etc., and even welfare and entertainment of the crew and passengers.

Cellular connection for the Maritime Industry

Connectivity-wise, needs and requirements will differ greatly according to the type and the operational purpose of the vessel. Some important features are:   

• Coverage: having a stable cellular coverage when travelling meaning vessels should be able to connect to every cellular tower on the shore.    
• Latency: speed of data transfer for navigation, route planning, predictive analytics of engines, equipment condition, weather reporting and many other applications.
• Connectivity Regulations: different regions and countries use different frequencies to transmit their signals. Plus, there is a range of laws and regulations to respect.
• Cost savings versus satellite communications

VEGA will customise your connectivity depending on the size of your vessel and/or fleet, routes, or specific crew requirements.

Benefit of LTE/5G for maritime businesses: 

• Significantly lower data costs
• Higher speeds and increased reliability
• More communications flexibility
• Better reliability for new applications and IoT
  integration
• Improved crew and passenger WIFI

Recent Maritime Wireless Connectivity Projects

Marine Atlantic Ferry Ala’Suinu (Voice and Data) Ala’suinu offers a smooth sailing experience in Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia. With its 1000 passenger capacity, it offers spacious cabins, pet-friendly cabins, passenger pods, and full-course dining. VEGA's LTE/5G solution include a DAS wireless coverage for high-speed connectivity option to enable better communications nearshore, IoT deployments, and better user experience for crew and passengers on board.

Canadian Steamship Lines CSL (LTE/5G Connectivity and Internet)  Our services and solutions are customisable to the size of  vessel and/or fleet, or specific crew requirements. The Canadian Steamship Lines were looking for a solution for the entire Fleet (18 vessels) in the Great Lakes and St.Laurence Seaway. Our team was selected to offer a turnkey connectivity solution and we installed connectivity on board the various vessels (cement ships, gearless bulk carriers, self-unloaders) providing mobile data and internet to the employees.

CTMA Ferry Magdalen Islands (Ship-to-Shore Connection) This 1500 passenger capacity ferry in Magdalen Islands needed a reliable cellular ship-to-shore connectivity for its passenger and crew. Again, we proceeded to an onsite installation meaning hardware staging, testing and configuration of onboard modem and DAS.