The 2018 Crew Connectivity survey of 6,000 serving crewmembers by Futurenautics, sponsored by KVH and Intelsat, has found that the application of technology in operations is growing in perceived importance, and that access to the internet at sea “strongly influences” the decisions of some 92 per cent of seafarers about where to work.

The free, confidential helpline for seafarers provided by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) can now be accessed using the instant messaging app Viber, expanding the range of contact options for international crews in need of support.

Martek Marine has launched a new vessel internet system based on GSM connectivity, which will be marketed under the name SeaCell.

Antwerp-based tanker company Euronav has agreed a deal with Satcom Global to roll out the Aura Ku-band VSAT service across its fleet, following the successful completion of sea trials with the system carried out over the course of 2017.

Marlink has added a new prepaid voice card calling facility for use with the Inmarsat Fleet Xpress network, noting that it is the first Value Added Reseller (VAR) for the Ka-band service to provide prepaid cards.

Global Eagle Entertainment has launched OceanPrime TV, a live TV package designed for crews in the commercial maritime market.

Speedcast has announced the release of CrewReach, a new global prepaid mobile SIM card designed to be used by ships’ crew members and provide cost-effective access to 4G and 3G data.

Speedcast has introduced a new global near-shore, data-only 4G/LTE GSM connectivity system called GO4SPEED, aimed at the maritime and energy markets, as well as a new at-sea television service called Speedcast TV On Demand.

Grieg Star, a shipping company headquartered in Bergen, Norway, is to roll-out a new VSAT system across its fleet of 33 General Cargo Open Hatch vessels, having agreed a deal with Marlink to implement its Sealink VSAT Premium service.

Netherlands-based Shipping Company Groningen has agreed a deal to roll out the shipznet vessel communications systems on part of its fleet of vessels.