Global satellite communications provider Inmarsat has announced at the Nor-Fishing 2016 event that Fleet Xpress is being extended in Northern Europe, demonstrating a new market-specific commitment for the high-speed broadband service, powered by Global Xpress.

The extension of Fleet Xpress will reach across the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea and Baltic Sea.

“We prioritised this region as a focus for region-specific roll-out after listening to the needs of our customers,” said Ronald Spithout, President of Inmarsat Maritime. “We can now address the specific requirements of the large number of fishing and offshore support vessels in the region with segment specific plans”.

In offshore, the presence or lack of internet often determines crew retention rates.

“Fleet Xpress allows seafarers easy and reliable connectivity,” says Mr Spithout. “For mariners working in some of the most demanding conditions at sea, links to friends and family are vital, while Internet access alleviates boredom during downtime.”

By Jake Frith