Maritime connectivity and IT solutions provider Marlink said it has signed a new service agreement with Stolt Tankers, extending a partnership between the two companies that began in 2011.
Under the new agreement, Marlink will provide Stolt Tankers’ fleet of 83 chemical and parcel tankers with a bandwidth upgrade, enabling even greater digitalization of its operations. The package includes version 5.0 of Marlink’s XChange communications management system, which will deliver greater efficiency in IT management processes as well as reinforced cyber security, Marlink said.
Marlink’s new 4G connectivity option will also be added to Stolt Tankers’ service package, contributing even more resilience and availability of service with cost-effective, low-latency and high-bandwidth services in coastal regions. A new VPN to shoreside operation centers will enable further improvements in business and operational efficiency by securely streamlining data sharing.
According to Marlink, the agreement reflects the requirement of specialist vessel operators for flexible connectivity solutions that combine intelligent, hybrid networks with smarter data handling to enable digitalization and support critical communications. By providing managed services, Marlink can enable data processing at the network’s edge and proactive monitoring and support to onboard systems, providing the maximum possible uptime and quality of service.
“It’s a real acknowledgement to have been selected to remain as Stolt Tankers’ global satellite service provider and to take their data communications framework into tomorrow,” adds Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. “Stolt is an operator with the very highest standards of safety and transparency and our services will continue to provide the foundations of its business strategy for years to come.”