Inmarsat Named Volvo Ocean Race Global Satellite Communications Partner

Inmarsat has been announced as the Volvo Ocean Race’s Official Global Satellite Communications Partner for 2014-15, providing the network and services for the Onboard Reporters to provide live audio and video communications.

Inmarsat will also supply a maritime safety system to allow the Race control room to track the competing boats as they race throughout the world’s oceans.

This will be the fourth consecutive Race that the British-based company has carried out the role, for the Volvo Ocean Race, which launched in 1973.

Each Volvo Ocean 65 boat will have a trained Onboard Reporter who will produce broadcast and digital content daily for the Race’s global audience of tens of millions. 

Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, said: “Inmarsat performed flawlessly over the last three editions and we are sure they will do so again with a boat which has been purpose-built with communications very much in mind.

“We look forward to Inmarsat making this the most watched and most connected yacht race in the world aimed at a new online audience of people who simply love the kind of life-at-the-extreme excitement we serve up day in day out.”

Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, added: “The Volvo Ocean Race is the toughest and most technically advanced round-the-world yacht race. This is why race organisers needed to ensure that the event was supported by the most advanced and reliable satellite communications available.

“The Volvo Ocean Race is not just one of the world’s most exciting adventures but the perfect test bed to showcase the capabilities of Inmarsat’s global network to power voice and data connectivity from the most remote and inhospitable locations on Earth.”