Cobham Satcom, a global leader in satellite communications technology, has agreed to supply next-generation satcom antenna systems for more than 100 vessels under “K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd., (KRBS), a core company of the “K” LINE Group, as part of their upgrade to Inmarsat’s NexusWave connectivity service. Numerous installations are already successfully completed and the programme will continue over the next two years across the company’s fleet of roll-on/roll-off and bulk carriers.

As part of the fleetwide upgrade, Cobham Satcom will supply its advanced 1m SAILOR XTR GX-R2 VSAT antenna systems. Purpose built for Inmarsat Maritime services, the XTR GX-R2 is fully compatible with NexusWave, Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity solution. The antennas offer high reliability, performance, and future-ready flexibility, which is essential to support the increasing digitalization of modern vessel operations.

Headquartered in Kobe, KRBS is recognized as one of Japan’s leading ship management companies. With a strong focus on operational excellence, the company selected Cobham Satcom to ensure the highest reliability with its satcom antenna systems. Key decision factors included the robustness of the hardware, the strength of the global support network, and Cobham Satcom’s proven track record of consistently delivering high performing, dependable technology.

The information System Group of KRBS highlighted the value of future-ready connectivity. “We selected Cobham Satcom and Inmarsat Maritime as we believe their advanced antenna technology and satellite services will meet and exceed the high standards expected by our crews and our customers. Once installed, always-on connectivity will enable more efficiency for diverse operations, including port clearance, operational reporting, and crucially, support crew welfare through reliable access to video and internet access to stay in touch with their families.”

The SAILOR XTR GX-R2 is part of Cobham Satcom’s most advanced VSAT technology. Its integration with Inmarsat’s NexusWave fully managed connectivity service supports seamless transition to a multi-orbit, multi-network environment, delivering high-speed, global, reliable, and secure connectivity onboard.

Cobham Satcom’s global service and support infrastructure also played a pivotal role in securing this contract. As a critical requirement for such a large and diverse fleet, the company’s global reach ensures that support, training, and service availability are guaranteed regardless of operating region.

Gert-Jan Panken, Global VP Sales, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “Inmarsat Maritime and Cobham Satcom have a long-standing partnership built on performance, reliability, and service excellence.

The agreement with KRBS reflects our joint focus on enabling operational excellence and supporting seafarer wellbeing through high-performance, future- ready connectivity.”

Søren Egholm, SVP Product Management & Marketing, Cobham Satcom, added, “This agreement reflects KRBS’ focus on trusted partnerships, quality engineering, and long-term reliability. It is a strong endorsement of Cobham Satcom’s capability to deliver on those priorities through robust, innovative technology and responsive global support. We are proud to enable “K” Line’s operational and crew welfare ambitions with dependable connectivity across their fleet.”