Maritime VSAT Communications Systems

VSAT systems designed for maritime industries are high-end solutions offering superior connectivity for voice and data communications. A maritime VSAT system includes a small satellite antenna and transceiver covered by a protective dome. It is installed above deck and connects to a below deck unit to broadcast signals across the vessel. 

Because of the location of the satellites and combined with the movement of vessels, stabilized antennas with tracking are required for optimal connectivity.

VSAT Brands

Manufacturers of maritime VSAT systems are Cobham, Sea Tel, Intellian, and KVH that engineer best of range products for small to large fleets and boats for integrated business operations. Crew and passengers can access VPN networks, file sharing, Internet, email, VoIP, and entertainment content.

VSAT Product Range

Marine satellite solutions are built for varying weather conditions experienced with sea voyages. The high-powered marine VSAT antennas are highly efficient in ensuring safety for those onboard through vessel tracking and emergency radio systems. Some of the high-end systems even offer a combined Ku/C-band system for data intensive applications and quality reception.

Cobham and Sea Tel

The Cobham range includes the 600 VSAT Ka-band or Ku-band, the 800 Ku-band, and the higher end Cobham Sailor 900 optimized for Ku-Band and convertible to Ka-Band. The Cobham and Sea Tel models have varying antenna sizes to meet communication demands for any type of vessel. Sea Tel has marine satellite stabilized antenna systems for large ships that have high usage requirements. Sea Tel also offers a broad choice in replacement and spare parts that can be kept onboard in the event of damages that need repairs.

KVH Satellite Systems

KVH satellite systems offer leading-edge features for best performance and reliability. Whether you need streaming services for entertainment, and functionality for business continuity, and emergency capabilities, KVH is an all-in-one solution.

The KVH Mini-VSAT Broadband has different antennas for medium and large watercraft and delivers high-performance accessibility for a range of media content and communication services. Systems like the TracPhone V3 provide a fast and lightweight Ku-band VSAT with speeds of 5 Mbps (download) and 2 Mbps (upload).

The KVH Inmarsat FleetBroadband works with a variety of the TracVision M-series satellite TV systems and includes a VoIP terminal. This range is perfect for large leisure boats offering accessibility to the Inmarsat satellite network.

Intellian

Intellian’s V-Series range of maritime VSAT antennas can operate over Ka-band or Ku-band or C-band frequencies. Offering extensive flexibility and durability, these systems are engineered for all types of sea conditions while providing superior RF performance and reliability. Radome dimensions and reflector diameters vary to suit small and large vessels.

Choosing an antenna size depends on the size of the vessel and the communication usage requirements. The larger antennas are more resilient and support higher bandwidth needs. Intellian’s range includes the following antenna sizes:

• 240 cm (94 inch)

• 125 cm (49.2 inch)

• 103 cm (41 inch)

• 105 cm (41.3 inch)

• 83 cm (32.7 inch)

• 85 cm (33.5 inch)

• 60 cm (23.6 inch)

• 65 cm (25.6 inch)