Inmarsat has announced the acquisition of Ship Equip International, a leading provider of VSAT maritime communications services to the shipping, offshore oil and gas and fishing markets.
Ship Equip is ideally positioned to support the evolution of parts of the maritime market to higher speed services such as Inmarsat’s forthcoming Global Xpress™ service, planned for launch in 2013.
The company, which is based in Norway, will operate as a separate Inmarsat subsidiary alongside Stratos Global and Segovia. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.
Perfect partner
“We are delighted to welcome Ship Equip and their management team into the Inmarsat group,” said James Parm, president and chief executive officer of Stratos.
“Ship Equip is the perfect partner for Inmarsat, bringing a large installed base of maritime VSAT customers, who we expect to be in the forefront of the transition to Global Xpress services, and a management team with extensive knowledge of VSAT operations and customers, to help us ensure that Global Xpress is a compelling proposition for the maritime community.
“This acquisition demonstrates our clear determination to prepare the way for a fast and successful take-up of Ka-band services via Inmarsat Global Xpress.”
VSAT leader
Ship Equip’s expertise in developing and deploying VSAT communications solutions to key sectors in the maritime market, together with its worldwide committed capacity arrangements and installed base of over 850 vessels, have made it a leader in the evolving VSAT maritime communications market.
“We are excited to be joining forces with Inmarsat, and we are convinced the combination will be the perfect platform for reaching the next level in satellite broadband maritime services,” said Ivar Nesset, chief executive officer of Ship Equip.
“This transaction will enhance Ship Equip’s standing as one of the largest providers of satellite broadband maritime communications solutions and provide an exciting long term service proposition for our customers.”
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