Connectivity drives developments in digital technologies

Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has launched a new video to demonstrate the potential of high-speed, always-on satellite connectivity to revolutionise the use of digital technologies and remote access solutions onboard superyachts and ocean racing yachts. Offering unique insight into the latest remote connectivity applications for the yachting sector; the ten-minute film highlights how maritime electronics manufacturers and consultancies, yacht designers, management companies and yachting professionals can take advantage of today's advanced connectivity framework to remotely manage integrated onboard systems.

Yachts equipped with global, reliable satellite connectivity have access to a variety of cutting-edge applications and online solutions, facilitated by the capability to capture, store and analyse data streams from the vessel using sensors. Enabling telemetry and real-time, shore-side monitoring, the key benefits for yacht managers and suppliers include:

Improved performance and safety;
Automation for enhanced sailing;
Load monitoring;
Hydraulic control;
Remote troubleshooting and fault resolution;
Planned and predictive maintenance;
Bridge systems evolution;
Dynamic positioning systems usage;
Cyber security management; and
Improved overall vessel management.
To explore the ways in which highly complex modern yacht systems can be managed and maintained by aligning system integration with the capabilities for remote access, Inmarsat Yachting Ambassador and renowned sailor Nick Moloney spoke to Rachel Oliver, Owner and Founder of Osprey Technical Consulting. The company is seeing a significant growth in demand for a managed service covering all vessel components. It has seen an increase in specific requests about remote access to vessels since the start of the pandemic, as superyacht captains, yacht designers, new build and refit yard managers prioritise reduced travel. This is in addition to requirements to cut costs and minimise downtime when planning end-to-end marine electronic and electrical solutions.

Rachel Oliver said: "We work at the system level, focusing on how we integrate those systems best to deliver for the project and the requirements of the vessel. It is a massive advantage for us, in terms of what we can offer our clients for their experience, if we can access our systems 24/7 without having to go anywhere. When the world shut down, suddenly people started picking up the phone saying: 'I've got systems all around the world, what do we do?' Our framework has completely revolutionised businesses for the better. We can get to the clients immediately and operate the equipment remotely.

"As equipment manufacturers start to dial in to the capabilities of these systems and design their systems to allow remote access, we will see a huge reduction in travel to vessels. Within the next five to ten years, the vast majority of yacht maintenance will be done remotely. But without the connectivity, none of what I am talking about is going to work. You have got to have the appropriate kit for wherever you are intending on going and the right level of service to go with that."

With its Fleet Xpress service, Inmarsat offers high-speed data and reliable back up, delivered globally with guaranteed service levels. The service includes Fleet Data, designed to get data off the yacht from multiple onboard systems and individual sensors, without compromising cyber security.

The new video is the latest content produced as part of Inmarsat's Digital Yacht initiative, an ongoing series offering unique insight for the superyacht, yachting and racing professionals, highlighting how to capitalise on the latest developments in onboard connectivity to unlock the power of digitalisation.

In the previous episode, Digital Yacht: Performance Sailing and The Ocean Race, Nick Moloney spoke exclusively with Simon Fisher, professional offshore sailing team member and navigator for 11th Hour, an Ocean Race participant, about how satellite connectivity is transforming the decision-making, racing tactics and design of the latest yachts.