Connectivity is essential for successful maritime operations, powering onboard software for safety, efficiency, and emissions control in the shipping industry. It also ensures crew welfare by providing access to social connectivity as mandated by The Maritime Labour Convention. The cruise sector faces pressure to meet passenger expectations for high-quality, reliable connectivity while at sea, allowing for activities such as streaming, social media, and business communication.
Passengers now expect high-speed Wi-Fi throughout their cruise, challenging cruise lines to deliver consistent, high-bandwidth connectivity in remote areas. Collaboration between connectivity providers and cruise operators is crucial to address these challenges and meet evolving demands. Multi-orbit constellations, such as SES’ O3b and O3b mPOWER systems, offer solutions for delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity regardless of location or weather conditions.
In 2024, the cruise industry must focus on collaboration and partnerships with connectivity providers to meet customer demands for connectivity, onboard experiences, and sustainability. By leveraging multi-orbit fleets and innovative technologies, cruise lines can enhance guest experiences, improve safety, and optimize operational efficiency while reducing their environmental impact. Gregory Martin, VP Maritime Market at SES, emphasizes the importance of working together to meet the growing demands of the cruise sector.
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