NSSLGlobal’s renowned maritime broadband VSAT service and global network infrastructure delivers secure business operational bandwidth alongside critical crew welfare needs

NSSLGlobal, a leading satcoms company in the cleantech portfolio of Arendals Fossekompani the Norwegian investment house, has partnered with SOIC Ship Management AB to bring the latest satellite communications technology to the Götheborg of Sweden, a full-scale working replica of the world-famous 18th century sailing ship.

The Götheborg of Sweden was the most advanced merchant sailing ship in the 1700’s and a symbol of Sweden’s entrepreneurial spirit. It is the world’s largest ocean-going sailing ship and was rebuilt as a full 1:1 scale model of the original Swedish East India Company vessel which sank in 1745. It has just embarked on an historic two-year journey around Europe to Asia completing its voyage in late 2023.  To help it on its journey and with the help of partners such as NSSLGlobal the vessel has been upgraded with the latest 21^st century communication and navigation technology in order to ensure the safety and comfort of the crew on their long voyage. The ship will act as the trade and maritime ambassador for Sweden and is a platform for its partners to focus attention on the greatest challenge of our times – the adaptation to a sustainable future.

As well as keeping its crew safe and entertained throughout the 18 month journey the vessel will be using NSSLGlobal’s communication network to feed back its daily position, check weather reports as well as uploading the latest photos, video and news. With around 600 sensors aboard the Götheborg, the technical staff on board and on shore can use NSSLGlobal’s VSATIP@SEA to monitor critical operational systems including temperature, pressure, fuel, and water levels.

NSSLGlobal’s partnership will see it’s VSAT IP@SEA broadband communications being utilised throughout the journey alongside its renowned 24/7 Network Operations Centre (NOC) providing technical support and remediation remotely. Local engineering support will be available at ports as well as the NSSLGlobal sales and service offices across Europe and Asia. Lars Ringnér, Ship Director of SOIC Ship Management, comments: “Although the Götheborg resembles a vessel from the 1700s, it’s essential we have the latest vessel communications technology on board to ensure the safety of our professional crew. We’re grateful to NSSLGlobal for providing their world-class satellite technology and airtime on this landmark journey around the world.  Additionally, this relationship is complemented by both companies’ commitment to working sustainably and we will be sailing under wind power as much as possible.”

Kristian Ryberg, General Manager, NSSLGlobal Scandinavia, said: “The Götheborg is a remarkable project, combining the pride of maritime history with the best of modern-day maritime technology. NSSLGlobal whose own roots lie in the Scandinavian maritime industry, has been providing the latest satellite and navigational technology into the maritime industry for over 50 years. We are therefore honoured to be providing the satcom technology to help the ship on its journey with 21^stcentury communications capabilities. Our VSAT IP@SEA services provide always-on connectivity and speeds suitable for data-heavy applications so the crew not only keep in touch with their loved ones but also serve business operation’s needs”