Marlink and OmniAccess - a satcomms powerhouse?

The VSAT market is entering an exciting new era – electronically steered flat panel tech is here in the form of Kymeta’s mTenna, new high throughput satellites (HTS) are coming on stream, and the promise of low earth orbit (LEO) constellations offering high speeds and low latency is nearing reality. Among all this a new powerhouse is emerging, as Apax-backed Marlink joins forces with services provider OmiAccess after acquiring a majority stake in the Palma-headquartered company.

Supporting an install base of more than 4,000 VSAT vessels, the new combined group will become something of a leader in the field of maritime VSAT services with close to $500 million revenues and 1,000 people employed through a global infrastructure. OmniAccess – which was founded in 2002 – delivers broadband connectivity services and solutions to superyachts and boutique cruise liners, and boasts more than 300 of the world’s largest superyachts among its clientele.

“We are absolutely delighted to join forces with Marlink,” comments Bertrand Hartman, CEO and founder of OmniAccess. “It is a very reputable and well-established player and I am convinced that the extended capabilities and scale of this great cooperation model is very beneficial to al our customers and allows us to serve them better than ever.”

Under the new agreement – which is subject to regulatory approval and closing, expected in the first half of next year – the existing management team of OmniAccess will remain unchanged and will continue to hold a significant shareholding in the company. OmniAccess will function as a standalone company but with the advantage of being able to lever Marlink Group’s capabilities. OmniAccess operates an advanced proprietary VSAT network with more than 24 beams in both C- and Ku-band, and it offers high-speed VSAT solutions of up to 300mbps, augmented by nextGen iO 4G and WiMax terrestrial connectivity services.

Marlink offers multi-band comms in Ku-, Ka-, C- and L-band complemented by mobile and terrestrial links and a range of digital solutions. With more than 800 employees worldwide, it offers a 24/7 helpdesk, specialised competence centres, local presence on all continents and a network of 1,250 service points and partners.

“We are very proud that OmniAccess is joining forces with Marlink. OmniAccess is a truly unique company with in-depth understanding, expertise and capabilities to serve the sophisticated superyacht segment better than anyone else,” says Marlink Group’s CEO Erik Ceuppens. “Together, we extend and strengthen the Group’s global leadership position in the maritime broadband communication and IT market, with a unique position in all maritime segments.”

Look out for our feature on the sea trials of the Kymeta flat panel antenna technology – and the potential impact on yachts and the wider industry – in issue 183 of The Superyacht Report. Have you subscribed to The ‘new’ Superyacht Report? If you are a captain, owner, yacht manager, chief engineer, first officer, broker, designer, senior shipyard management, an owner’s representative, investor, or a family office, you are eligible for a complimentary annual subscription to the only superyacht industry publication worth reading. To apply for your VIP subscription, click here.

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