Gas carrier giant inks VSAT contract with EMC

Nakilat LNG carrier

AUGUST 23, 2016 — Qatar’s Nakilat, has entered into a contract that will see Global Eagle Entertainment Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ENT) Emerging Markets Communications (EMC) service provide marine VSAT services for vessels in the Nakilat LNG carrier and LPG carrier fleet.

Under the contract, Global Eagle Entertainment’s EMC is supplying global Ku-band VSAT connectivity and content to enable a range of internet, data and voice services for the vessels and crew.

Installations were completed recently on eight Nakilat vessels, ensuring continuous connectivity for the ships on global routes.

The onboard satellite communication suite includes a high-quality voice-over-IP system for the corporate network, lowering the costs of voice calls over the satellites.

The crew welfare system provides always-on internet connectivity to communicate with family and friends at home.

Nakilat Administration Director Rashid Hamad Al-Marri said, “We are delighted to sign this agreement with EMC which will significantly contribute to the development of the communication systems’ infrastructure and facilitate Nakilat’s maritime operations. As an owner of one of the largest LNG fleets in the world, staying connected while at sea is essential for Nakilat’s global operations. By utilizing EMC’s VSAT technology, we are able to ensure real-time information is accessible and that our personnel can stay in touch with their families during the vessel’s voyage while at the same time, realize cost savings for the company.”

“We are honored that Nakilat has chosen EMC to perform this project. Nakilat’s modern LNG and LPG carriers are highly sophisticated specialized ships, requiring the highest levels of dependable connectivity for ships’ business and crew welfare,” said Gilles Gilleson, president of EMC’s commercial shipping business unit. “Our seamless global coverage and network infrastructure, coupled with our suite of patented technologies, provides an unmatched value proposition enabling customers like Nakilat to bring the benefits of modern voice, internet and high-speed data to their ships at sea.”