Tokyo-headquartered and stock exchange listed shipping major “K” Line (JPX TYO: 9107) has announced that it is trialling “NexusWave,” an advanced communications system operated by comms company Inmarsat Maritime.
“K” Line and Inmarsat describe the system as “seamlessly integrated multiple high-speed networks,” that “enable high-speed, always-on ship-to-shore communications”. The system is said to offer unlimited data, global coverage, and “secure by design” infrastructure. The service integrates multiple high-speed networks in real time said to be “Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, low-Earth orbit services, and as-available coastal LTE service – enhanced by an L-band layer”.
Which means, what, exactly?
All of those are certainly words, but what do they actually mean? Well, Global Xpress appears to be a brand or product name offered by Inmarsat and it refers to a specific type of satellite that are capable of a near complete coverage of the surface of the earth and which closely orbit the earth (hence “low-Earth orbit”. The coverage of the satellites can be directed so that, when and where there is a local surge in demand, extra capacity can be directed to the place of high demand. The Ka-band refers to the part of the electromagnetic spectrum between 26.5 to 40 gigahertz, and is said to offer very fast data transmission rates. An LTE, or “long-term-evolution” service meets a specific standard for high-speed, low-power, wireless broadband data communication. An L-band is a designation for radio frequencies in the one to two gigahertz range and it is particularly noted for its penetration through the atmosphere.
Or, to put it another way, it is an Earth-covering, satellite-based communications system, with a notable ability to cope with surges in localised demand, that is backed-up by a shore based system. As a whole, the system is resilient, allows for high rates of data transmission, and it appears to be particularly suited for mobile communications purposes.
The trials will start this month (which, at the time of writing, is October 2024).
Benefits of the system
The benefits of the system are said to be that it boosts the digitalization of ship operations, environmental response, and seafarer welfare.
Akihiro Fujimaru, Managing Executive Officer of “K” LINE, said: “In recent years, there has been an increase in data transmission to enhance safety and quality. As such, we require connectivity services that are fast, reliable and global. Furthermore, high-speed internet connectivity will greatly contribute to reforms to onboard workstyles and automated ship navigation. Maintaining connections with family and friends is quite crucial for preserving the well-being of our crew. NexusWave promises to fulfil these needs well into the future. especially with the anticipated service launch of the high-capacity ViaSat-3 Ka-band satellites. This technology will also bolster our digitalisation initiatives moving forward.”
About “K” Line
“K” Line operates approximately 445 vessels (number includes co-owned ships and shares of other companies’ ownership in co-owned vessels), and is particularly present in the dry bulk sector with 185 ships that have a combined deadweight of 23.1m tonnes (210 dry bulkers of 25.45 million deadweight tonnes if the 25 separately described “thermal coal carriers” are included in the dry bulk total). The group also operates 91 car carriers, 46 LNG carriers, 41 box ships, 41 short sea / coastal ships, and a slew of other specialised ships.
Although by now a well-known Japanese industrial champion, according to the group official history, “K” Line was actually founded in 1921 in “an elegant, old-fashioned, London hotel,” although the the predecessor company, “Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha”, was founded a year earlier in April 1919.
