Global satellite communications and network service provider SpeedCast International has entered a strategic alliance agreement with Danaos Peripherals to speed up the digitalisation of the maritime sector.

The agreement will see both companies combine maritime communications with an advanced application management system, which has been developed by Danaos.

The partners are also set to introduce a new remote and autonomous information technology (IT) system on-board a vessel before the end of the year, which will leverage several major technologies such as Big Data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber security.

It will be designed to allow the remote deployment of third-party services and applications, thereby enabling ships to implement new capabilities quickly and efficiently.

SpeedCast International Products, Marketing and Business Development EVP Tim Bailey said: “The combination of SpeedCast’s expertise in delivering high-quality critical communications solutions and Danaos’s ability to create a state-of-the-art application environment will accelerate the digitalisation of the maritime business.”

SpeedCast currently provides a global maritime network that supports mission-critical applications and offers connectivity to more than 10,000 ships.

The company also offers high-quality managed network services in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Danaos Peripherals managing director Dimitris Theodossiou said: “Danaos recognised SpeedCast as a strategic partner in our vision of enhancing onboard IT infrastructure and delivering advanced solutions, meeting today’s market needs with minimal effort for implementation and support.”

Danaos also offers complete systems and solutions to the shipping community to help support more than 6,000 vessels and 500 shipping companies worldwide, in addition to developing a range of software packages for use in the commercial maritime industry.