The new IP-based offering, capable of delivering speeds up to 432kbps to the merchant maritime community, promises to be a major step forward in the functionality the company can provide to the sector, with wider communications options as well as a host of new pricing plans expected to pique the interest of vessel operators.

FleetBroadband equipment is now available from manufacturers JRC and Thrane & Thrane, with services being provided by Bezeq, KDDI, Korea Telecom, MCN, Morsviazsputnik, Otesat-Maritel, SingTel, Stratos and Vizada. Inmarsat says it expects partners to commence terminal shipments within the next few weeks.

"The development of FleetBroadband is part of our strategy to keep innovating, to develop new services that are faster, smaller, cheaper and more accessible for a range of maritime users globally," said Michael Butler, president and COO of Inmarsat.

"We?ve enjoyed double-digit growth in revenues this year, for the first time in over a decade, and we've also launched six new services, including a range of low-cost voice services, a messaging service, and broadband for the aeronautical sector."

"But I'm pleased to say we've left the best until last, as we officially announce the introduction of FleetBroadband, our most capable service for our most important sector."