About Maritime Solutions

The need for heightened awareness of satellite solutions for the maritime community is increasing, as well as the importance of expanded delivery of training, facilitation of new projects, advocacy efforts, and related initiatives. In recent years, demand for data services and the transfer of digital information onboard vessels has risen dramatically, and as a result the use of satellite technology has rapidly expanded. Predictions for continued growth are significant and a number of factors are helping to drive this expansion:

• Ship owners/Operators are treating vessels as an extension of the office,
• Increased demand for on-board business applications,
• Decrease in hardware/service costs,
• Increase in satellite coverage over ocean routes,
• Smaller antennas,
• Standardization of products,
• Increased focus on services and solutions, not just hardware.

In response to these trends, the satellite communications industry has responded with a growing diversity of offerings. Ship owners, operators, leasing companies, and other maritime interests must have the information necessary to differentiate those offerings. A serious combined effort is now being undertaken to facilitate effective decisions regarding the acquisition, installation, and operation of maritime satcom systems and services. A maritime subgroup comprised of industry experts, with the support and structure of GVF, is engaging with the maritime industry to provide information, education, training and support to expand the development of satellite networks around the globe.  Learn more in this section about GVF maritime events, regulatory initiatives, training, as well as the activities being undertaken by the GVF Maritime Satcom Forum.