Viasat Inmarsat’s NexusWave Surpasses 1,000 Vessel Orders—Redrawing the Map for Maritime Connectivity

The NexusWave maritime terminal—first unveiled as a flagship innovation under the newly merged Viasat and Inmarsat umbrella—has now passed the milestone of 1,000 vessel orders worldwide. This achievement signals more than strong commercial traction; it represents a major vote of confidence in the advanced capabilities of the unified company’s global connectivity strategy.

For Viasat and Inmarsat, this early benchmark consolidates their position at the forefront of global satellite communications following the 2023 merger. For maritime operators, it hints at a rapidly shifting landscape in onboard digital infrastructure—one that could accelerate digitalization, bolster operational safety, and reshape the economics of global trade. What does a new communications standard like NexusWave really offer to fleets navigating both coastal and deep-sea networks?

The Viasat + Inmarsat Merger: A Transformative Alliance

Expanding Capabilities Through Consolidation

When Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023, the global satellite communications landscape shifted. The merger combined Viasat’s advanced Ka-band capabilities with Inmarsat's extensive L-band assets and global ground network. This alliance has created a unified high-capacity satellite infrastructure spanning geostationary, medium, and low Earth orbits—something no standalone operator previously achieved.

Viasat’s constellation strength, bolstered by Inmarsat's existing fleet, now enables cross-band and cross-orbit interoperability. The resulting hybrid network offers seamless global coverage, reduced latency in critical regions, and increased bandwidth to support modern applications in air, land, and especially maritime sectors. Businesses operating across oceans no longer need to juggle multiple providers for reliable service across latitudinal divides.

Maritime Connectivity: Immediate Gains from Long-Term Vision

In the maritime sector, the merger's value materialized almost overnight. Fleet operators running complex shipping lanes gained access to a broader range of bandwidth efficiencies tailored for different phases of a voyage. Coastal routes utilize high-throughput Ka-band, while deep-sea passages rely on L-band or upcoming multi-orbit handoffs seamlessly managed by the merged infrastructure.

This integration created a single, harmonized platform that carriers trust for mission-critical operations—from navigation and crew welfare to digitalized inspection systems and real-time maintenance monitoring.

Commanding the MSS Market

By merging, Viasat and Inmarsat did more than combine technologies—they solidified their dominance in the mobile satellite services (MSS) sector. According to Euroconsult’s 2023 "Satellite Connectivity in Mobility Markets" report, the newly formed entity controls a significant share of maritime and aviation installations worldwide, surpassing legacy competitors across core measurements like active terminals, available Mbps, and revenue contribution per vessel.

• In-flight connectivity deals on over 3,000 commercial aircraft reflect rapid scalability.
• NexusWave orders crossing the 1,000-vessel mark underscore deep client trust at sea.
• 17 owned and operated satellites, with more launches scheduled, support uninterrupted growth.

Rather than operating in parallel, Viasat and Inmarsat are now orchestrating a coordinated global strategy. The merger didn’t just extend network footprint—it redefined the standard for what maritime connectivity can deliver at scale.

Introducing NexusWave: The Next-Generation Maritime Terminal

Key Features of the NexusWave Terminal

NexusWave combines robust hardware with intelligent software architecture, engineered specifically for the dynamic conditions of maritime operations. The terminal supports adaptive link management, integrated edge computing, and proactive maintenance features through built-in diagnostics. Ruggedized for harsh marine environments, its compact form factor allows installation on both new builds and existing fleets without structural rework.

Designed for High-Speed Satellite Connectivity

NexusWave achieves broadband-class connectivity at sea, supporting speeds that accommodate high-throughput applications such as streaming, real-time data transfer, video conferencing, and cloud-based services. It maximizes the performance envelope of Viasat's global Ka-band network while maintaining backward compatibility with existing L-band services, ensuring uninterrupted access even in remote or high-latitude regions.

Seamless Integration with Multiple Satellite Bands and Orbits

The terminal operates simultaneously across Ka-, Ku-, and L-band frequencies and dynamically switches between GEO, MEO, and future LEO satellite services. This multi-band, multi-orbit interoperability allows vessels to sustain optimal connectivity regardless of geographic location or route changes. NexusWave’s intelligent antenna control system supports auto-tracking and beam-switching without manual intervention.

Smart Data Routing and Low-Latency Performance

Built-in software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities enable NexusWave to identify the lowest-latency satellite path in real time. Data routing decisions are based on traffic type, service priority, and available bandwidth, optimizing the user experience for latency-sensitive applications. In practice, this means smoother VoIP calls, faster file uploads, and consistent VPN connections to shore offices.

Enhancing Fleet Operations and Maritime Service Providers

For commercial operators, NexusWave delivers higher throughput per vessel, enabling real-time operational visibility and increased crew welfare services. Maritime service providers benefit from a standardized platform that simplifies deployment across vessel classes and allows centralized fleet orchestration. End-to-end encryption and secure access management also support compliance with IMO and ISO27001 data handling standards.

Managed Service Benefits Tailored for Vessel Operators

NexusWave includes tightly integrated managed services through Viasat's digital service layer. These offer predictive analytics on bandwidth usage, remote diagnostics, and configurable Quality of Service (QoS) per user or device. Operators can subscribe to performance tiers aligned with specific mission profiles, from cargo monitoring to passenger Wi-Fi. Software updates are pushed remotely, reducing the need for port-based servicing.

NexusWave Surpasses 1,000 Vessel Orders: A Market Milestone with Global Momentum

Unpacking the Numbers Behind the Surge

The NexusWave terminal has crossed the 1,000-ship milestone, with orders continuing to accelerate. This momentum reflects strong demand across both established maritime companies and next-generation digital fleets. According to Viasat’s internal reporting, the pace of adoption increased by 35% in the last two quarters alone, driven primarily by early deployments proving operational gains.

Diverse Fleets Driving Adoption

Interest in NexusWave spans a broad spectrum of maritime players. Global shipping lines are equipping their container vessels to streamline real-time logistics. Offshore energy operators are upgrading fleets to handle heavier data operations in remote locations. Passenger ferry providers and cruise lines are modernizing terminals onboard to meet rising bandwidth expectations from crew and travelers alike.

• Major container shipping alliances are investing in NexusWave to integrate high-capacity connectivity into their global supply chains.
• Oil & gas offshore operators are deploying it to support remote diagnostics, live monitoring, and video-enabled inspections.
• Fleet management firms are embedding the terminal into IoT-rich architectures across dry bulk, LNG, and roll-on/roll-off vessels.

Global Waters, Regional Demand

Orders have landed from vessel operators across all major maritime corridors: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Significant uptake has occurred along trans-Asia-Europe routes, with deployment activity intensifying among fleets operating in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and North America’s Eastern Seaboard. Demand from the Arctic commercial corridor and South Pacific islands also signals that high-throughput connectivity is no longer limited to core markets.

Sectoral Convergence on a Single Platform

Commercial cargo ships, offshore energy assets, logistics platforms, and cruise liners are converging around NexusWave as the single terminal with capacity to support bandwidth-heavy operations, including AI-powered navigational planning and remote vessel diagnostics. Each sector has distinct needs, yet all share a requirement for high uptime, seamless network handovers, and uninterrupted video and data transfer.

Market Confidence: Observable Indicators

• Repeat orders from 7 of the top 10 early fleet adopters confirm satisfaction with throughput and reliability.
• A growing pipeline of integration partnerships with automation, IoT, and telematics providers is expanding NexusWave’s value chain impact.
• Global resellers are reprioritizing inventory allocation for this terminal, citing high client inquiry volumes and shortened decision cycles.

Strong order volume, expanding sector participation, and high geographic diversity all signal that NexusWave is emerging as a cornerstone of future-ready maritime infrastructure.

Why Businesses Are Choosing NexusWave

Enhanced Connectivity at Sea

Vessels equipped with NexusWave experience uninterrupted data flow even across vast oceanic corridors and isolated maritime routes. The terminal seamlessly connects to Viasat’s global high-capacity satellite network, ensuring consistent communications without blind zones. For maritime operators, this translates into real-time updates, responsive decision-making, and operational continuity wherever the vessel sails.

Crews stay in touch with shore support, ports, and other vessels effortlessly. Whether coordinating logistics or accessing vital information mid-voyage, the connectivity remains stable and dependable throughout.

High Service Speeds Fueling Modern Operations

NexusWave matches the demands of today’s high-bandwidth applications. Service speeds onboard reach levels typically associated with terrestrial broadband, making it possible to run everything from video conferencing and cloud-based logistics platforms to remote equipment diagnostics.

• Ship operators stream real-time engine performance data back to headquarters.
• Crews participate in live training sessions from international providers.
• Passengers onboard cruise vessels enjoy uninterrupted access to entertainment and communication services.

Operational efficiency improves as vessels no longer need to wait for port calls to access robust connectivity.

Scalable Data Services with Intelligent Tools

Shipping companies operate with diverse data needs, and NexusWave caters to all. From fishing trawlers to container megaships, the terminal offers scalable bandwidth plans that adapt to the size and purpose of the fleet.

Fleet managers gain access to smart usage analytics that go beyond basic reporting. Predictive tools forecast bandwidth requirements, identify usage patterns, and support proactive adjustments to avoid overages and downtime.

• Customizable service tiers for different vessel roles and route types
• Data trend analysis aids in budgeting and operational planning
• Bandwidth prioritization tools maintain mission-critical systems during peak usage

Round-the-Clock Managed Support Infrastructure

Each NexusWave installation is backed by Viasat’s global support ecosystem. From installation to continuous operation, ships remain connected to a 24/7 support team with expertise in both maritime and satellite technology.

Integration with Viasat’s Network Operations Center (NOC) enhances reliability. Any anomalies in performance trigger real-time diagnostics and, when needed, immediate intervention—often before shipboard systems even experience a disruption.

• Live technical support accessible anytime, anywhere
• Proactive network monitoring minimizes downtime
• Direct coordination with land-based service teams streamlines troubleshooting

This comprehensive support framework gives fleet managers the confidence to push digital transformation forward without introducing risk to their operations.

Driving Maritime Digitalization with NexusWave

From Paper to Platform: Replacing Analog Processes Across the Fleet

NexusWave accelerates the digital transformation of maritime operations by delivering high-capacity, always-on connectivity to vessels at sea. With reliable broadband accessible across oceans, shipping companies are eliminating outdated analog workflows and deploying digital systems that improve operational speed and control.

Manual logs and static documentation have moved to cloud-based platforms. Vessel performance data once collected in logbooks is now transmitted in real time for centralized monitoring. Crew coordination, procurement, and maintenance scheduling—traditionally managed through radio or fax—are shifting to integrated platforms powered by high-throughput satellite networks.

Connectivity that Powers Efficiency, Safety, and Sustainability

End-to-end digitalization made possible by NexusWave leads to measurable gains:

• Shipping Efficiency: Real-time data feeds support dynamic route optimization. Operators make course adjustments based on live weather inputs, current currents, and port congestion metrics, cutting voyage times and reducing fuel consumption.
• Enhanced Safety: Digital navigation tools give crews access to Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs), vessel traffic services, and maritime safety information. With uninterrupted connectivity, crews can report hazards instantly or call for support without delay.
• Sustainability Initiatives: With integrated emissions monitoring, engine diagnostics, and fuel optimization software, vessels optimize consumption patterns. Accurate emissions reporting contributes to compliance with IMO regulations such as MARPOL Annex VI.

Digital Tools Reshaping Onboard Decision-Making

Onboard systems connected through NexusWave enable a new level of data-driven operations:

• Dynamic routing platforms analyze ocean conditions with AI-backed forecasts to minimize weather-related delays.
• Weather intelligence overlays help predict and avoid rough seas, reducing mechanical strain and human fatigue.
• Electronic documentation replaces duplicated paperwork with automated cargo manifests, customs declarations, and compliance logs.

With these tools, captains and crew act on precise, current insights instead of relying on static reports or delayed data streams.

Which manual process still lingers onboard your fleet, and how would real-time connectivity change it? The infrastructure is in place—NexusWave creates the bandwidth to digitize without compromise.

Powering IoT and Smart Fleet Management at Sea

NexusWave serves as the digital backbone for next-gen maritime operations by enabling full-scale Internet of Things (IoT) integration on ocean-going vessels. With high-throughput connectivity and low-latency data exchange, shipowners and operators gain the infrastructure required to unlock advanced smart fleet capabilities.

Expanding IoT Capabilities Onboard

The terminal’s high-performance satellite link allows constant communication between onboard IoT sensors and shore-based analytics platforms. Sensors measure everything from fuel efficiency to hull stress in real time, while data streams continuously via NexusWave’s seamless connectivity. As a result, real-time situational awareness moves from aspirational to operational.

Remote Engine Monitoring

NexusWave enables engineering teams to monitor key propulsion metrics remotely, including RPM, fuel consumption rates, exhaust temperature, and vibration levels. OEMs and maintenance contractors access this information without setting foot onboard, reducing the need for manual checks and enabling centralized technical oversight.

Predictive Maintenance Through Real-Time Data

Live telemetry from engines, pumps, and ancillary machinery feeds into predictive algorithms hosted in cloud-based platforms. With NexusWave transmitting this data seamlessly, fleet managers can identify wear patterns before mechanical issues lead to unplanned downtime. For instance, tracking lubricant viscosity trends or torque levels flags early warning signs well before a critical system fails.

Environmental Compliance Systems

Vessels integrating ballast water treatment systems, scrubbers, and carbon emission monitoring platforms now rely on reliable data links for compliance and reporting. NexusWave channels data from Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS) directly to regulatory frameworks. This simplifies compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex VI and regional green shipping corridors.

Operational Visibility and Faster Decisions

Fleet operators gain a live, comprehensive view of each ship’s performance. Navigation data, cargo status, energy usage, weather impact metrics—all flow over NexusWave. This full situational picture enables faster, data-backed decisions about routing, loading, fuel management, and safety protocols.

Seamless Integration with Fleet Management Platforms

• Cloud-based deployment: NexusWave integrates natively with leading maritime software platforms, including ABS My Digital Fleet, StormGeo, and Kongsberg’s Vessel Insight.
• Open API support: Software providers can connect easily to raw and processed telemetry via secure, standardized APIs.
• Automated reporting: Data packets from IoT systems are organized and transmitted in formats readable by fleet analysts, trimming administrative delays.

With NexusWave as the enabler, ship operations move from static and reactive to dynamic and agile—driven by continuous, data-informed insight.

Charting a Course Toward Smart Shipping and Autonomous Vessels

Robust Connectivity: The Foundation of Vessel Autonomy

High-capacity, low-latency satellite links form the backbone of autonomous maritime operations. Without uninterrupted data exchange between ship systems, shore-based fleets, and command centers, autonomous controls cannot respond to changing environmental or mechanical conditions. Viasat’s integration of Inmarsat’s global satellite architecture ensures that vessels—whether in the North Sea or the South Pacific—maintain persistent links for real-time communication and distributed data processing.

The NexusWave terminal, designed for maritime mobility, delivers enhanced throughput supporting real-time telemetry, sensor integration, and system diagnostics. These functionalities are non-negotiable in autonomous navigation scenarios, where decision-making relies on continual input from radar, lidar, sonar, GPS, and engine monitoring systems.

Bandwidth and Uptime: Enabling Data-Driven Control

Bandwidth drives autonomy. Smart shipping depends on the seamless transmission of vast quantities of data: terabytes of environmental inputs, navigational charts, and system feedbacks moving continuously between vessels and shore. NexusWave operates on a network that supports Ka-, Ku-, and L-band frequencies, accelerating data throughput while reducing bottlenecks. This flexibility ensures consistent performance even under variable sea and weather conditions or when transiting between satellites.

• Uptime statistics from Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network exceed 99.9%, providing near-continuous access for mission-critical operations.
• Viasat’s planned launch of ViaSat-3 satellites extends these capabilities, offering up to 1 Tbps total capacity per satellite and global coverage for mobility platforms.
• Advanced network redundancy further limits service interruptions, even in high-traffic shipping lanes or during atmospheric interference.

These network characteristics support edge computing and AI-based autonomy logic, allowing the vessel to interpret its surroundings and adapt to variables like course obstructions, weather shifts, or maintenance warnings—all in real time.

R&D Investments Fueling Next-Gen Maritime Autonomy

Viasat and Inmarsat have committed significant resources to the development of smart vessel communication systems. Investment is flowing into AI-driven navigation modules, low-latency communication algorithms, and satellite-linked edge networks. R&D teams are collaborating with maritime technology firms to validate secure autonomous route planning, predictive maintenance, and remote hull inspection—all through NexusWave-enabled systems.

Through its Application Provider Programme, Inmarsat has onboarded over 40 software developers and maritime tech partners. These collaborations are accelerating integration with digital twin platforms, onboard AI systems, and compliance tracking solutions. Viasat’s innovation labs are concurrently focused on machine learning models for autonomous vessel coordination and remote command capability over satellite.

Autonomous vessels already operate in test zones in Norway, Singapore, and Japan. With Viasat and Inmarsat’s combined network, commercial-scale deployment in global lanes is no longer conceptual—it’s within operational reach. NexusWave is the technology component bridging the sea from analog captains to tomorrow’s AI-piloted ships.

Cybersecurity: Protecting Data and Connectivity at Sea

New Threat Vectors for Constantly Connected Vessels

Modern ships function as floating data centers. With satellite broadband powering everything from navigation to engine diagnostics, cyber vulnerabilities have expanded dramatically. Every connected endpoint introduces an access point for malicious actors—whether that's a compromised ECDIS, an unsecured Wi-Fi router, or even an exploited USB port brought onboard by crew.

Threat actors aren’t just hobbyists. State-sponsored entities, sophisticated ransomware groups, and financially motivated hackers actively scan for weaknesses in maritime networks. According to the BIMCO “State of Maritime Cyber Security” report (2023), over 25% of shipping companies surveyed experienced at least one cyber incident in the past year, with phishing and malware-based attacks topping the threat list.

NexusWave Integrates Cyber Protection from the Ground Up

NexusWave introduces a layered cybersecurity framework tailored to maritime operations. Hardware is tamper-resistant, with secure boot features preventing unauthorized software from running at startup. Firmware updates occur over encrypted channels, digitally signed to block injection attacks.

Role-based access control ensures that crew interaction with systems remains strictly governed. Firewalls segment operational technology (OT) from crew welfare networks, reducing lateral movement paths for intruders. Network traffic passes through advanced DPI (Deep Packet Inspection), screening packets for abnormal behavior or command injection.

More critically, the system is built to align with the IMO 2021 cyber risk management guidelines under resolution MSC.428(98). It supports documentation and audit-readiness for Safety Management Systems (SMS) under the ISM Code, giving operators a tangible compliance path.

Managed Services That See the Threat Before It Hits

Viasat’s cybersecurity services don’t leave vessels to defend themselves. All NexusWave-enabled networks tie into constantly monitored security operations centers (SOCs), operated 24/7. Anomalies are flagged in real time. A spike in data exfiltration from an onboard camera? Latency inconsistencies in the ship’s navigational data stream? Both would raise immediate red flags.

• Behavioral analytics use machine learning to identify patterns that stray from vessel baselines.
• Threat intelligence feeds pull from maritime-specific IOC databases, combining global attack trends with route-relevant threat forecasts.
• Incident response coordination ensures operators have access to expert human analysts whenever automated rules are triggered.

This converged approach means security isn’t a bolt-on add-on. It’s a central feature of every NexusWave deployment, embedded directly into the device’s OS and extended through the managed service umbrella.

What does it look like in action? During a 2023 field deployment in the South China Sea, NexusWave’s system intercepted a DNS tunneling attempt targeting encrypted local payloads. Automated lockdown procedures isolated the compromised node within 45 seconds—preventing data loss and triggering incident reporting flows in accordance with GDPR and company-specific security policies.

The Future of Maritime Connectivity Starts Here

Crossing the 1,000-Order Mark Sets a New Industry Standard

When a maritime connectivity solution surpasses 1,000 vessel orders just months after launch, that milestone does more than reflect strong adoption—it redefines expectations. NexusWave now stands as a benchmark for what maritime operators demand: high-throughput connectivity, real-time digital capabilities, and seamless operational integration. This volume of deployments positions NexusWave not as a trend, but as the backbone of a rapidly transforming industry.

Fleet-Wide Adoption Is Accelerating

Momentum is not limited to early adopters. Fleet managers overseeing container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore support vessels, and passenger ships are scaling NexusWave across their entire operations. The rationale is consistent across sectors: unified connectivity architecture lowers operating complexity, enhances uptime, and provides a future-ready platform for emerging technologies.

• Global shipping companies are moving from pilot installations to full-scale rollouts.
• Fleet standardization enables cohesive digital strategies across vessels, reducing cost per unit.
• Real-time data sharing between sea and shore operations enhances performance and compliance.

Scaling Innovation: The Viasat + Inmarsat Infrastructure Advantage

Viasat’s acquisition of Inmarsat created the most comprehensive global network assets in the mobility sector. Together, they can interweave Ka-band and L-band service layers, ensuring that NexusWave terminals stay online where other networks fail. This hybrid architecture will underpin scalable innovation, allowing continuous coverage even in high-latency or congested maritime corridors.

They’re not just maintaining connectivity—they’re building an edge-compute enabled, software-defined service fabric that supports onboard applications like voyage optimization, emissions tracking, AI navigation, and remote maintenance analytics. This capability marks the difference between connectivity as utility versus connectivity as strategy.

NexusWave Redefines What Maritime Connectivity Enables

With NexusWave, bandwidth becomes a strategic enabler of digital transformation—not a bottleneck. Vessels outfitted with next-generation terminals are actively participating in broader digital ecosystems. They interact with satellite-enabled edge computing frameworks, integrate machine-learning systems into fleet command centers, and support onboard augmented reality for maintenance crews.

The result? A rearchitected maritime landscape where connectivity is no longer an operational overlay but the central nervous system of maritime logistics and navigation. NexusWave doesn’t point toward what’s next—it is what’s next.

A New Era of Global Maritime Connectivity

NexusWave passing the 1,000 vessel order mark sends a clear message across the maritime landscape. Commercial shipping operators, offshore energy platforms, and passenger fleets have embraced the system’s technical capabilities—proof of growing demand for high-throughput, always-available connectivity at sea. This milestone maps a shift in how digital infrastructure is scaling across ocean-based operations.

In deep-sea shipping, real-time operations management now happens at fleet scale. Offshore rigs operating under harsh conditions use NexusWave to maintain stable connections with onshore teams. Cruise lines integrate onboard entertainment, guest services, and connectivity into a single system—without sacrificing performance. The adoption cuts across segments, indicating a broad alignment on next-generation terminal standards.

Post-merger, Viasat and Inmarsat operate with unmatched capacity, global spectrum rights, and an infrastructure portfolio that includes Ka-, L- and multi-band networks. No other connectivity provider currently delivers such a complete orbital and terrestrial system. NexusWave is the first major signal from the unified business unit—one that demonstrates how product innovation aligns with global mobility coverage.

Fleet owners and operators gain several competitive advantages. NexusWave cuts costs associated with patchy coverage and hardware redundancy. It streamlines compliance through remote monitoring and live updates. More importantly, it accelerates the shift to smart shipping: enabling autonomous operations, edge computing, and data-driven decisions based on constant, high-fidelity streams from every vessel node.

As competition intensifies and margins tighten, the ability to stay connected in every ocean region, 24/7, becomes more than a technical upgrade—it becomes a business necessity. NexusWave positions maritime enterprises to meet that challenge with a single, scalable platform. Those investing now don’t just improve uptime—they prepare their operations for what comes next.