Extreme E partners with Eutelsat Group and OmniAccess
The collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb, part of Eutelsat Group, will connect the live racing action to the St. Helena, the championship’s floating centrepiece which not only transports all of the series’ ODYSSEY 21 vehicles and freight to each event, but acts as a floating VIP hospitality club for Extreme E.
The St. Helena is one of the first to have installed a Kymeta Peregrine maritime user terminal and installation and connectivity services are being managed by OmniAccess.
Eutelsat OneWeb’s consistent high-speed, low latency connectivity will deliver significantly increased reliability and data-rates of up to 200 Mbps, enhancing life onboard for Extreme E’s race crew, support teams and onboard scientists.
Extreme E’s global racing series is made possible by the St. Helena. She is used to transport the championship’s freight and infrastructure to the nearest port to each of its five race locations, minimising Extreme E’s emissions profile as well as facilitating scientific research through an on-board laboratory. A former Royal Mail ship, the St. Helena has undergone an extensive multi-million euro renovation process, including a comprehensive mechanical overhaul as well as a full refurbishment of the interior alongside a fresh livery and branding.
Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme E, said: “We are delighted to partner with Eutelsat OneWeb and with this collaboration we are accelerating towards a connected future for everyone.
“Beyond being a unique sporting spectacle, Extreme E is also a sport with a profound purpose, committed to making a positive impact on the planet and driving change for a sustainable future. We operate in the remotest areas of the world and know the value of high speed connectivity and that’s why we are so excited to be increasing our collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb and its ecosystem.”
Carole Plessy, VP Maritime and Europe at Eutelsat OneWeb, said: “We are thrilled that Eutelsat OneWeb together with its partners OmniAccess and Kymeta have connected the St. Helena to the internet, enabling communications from ship to shore no matter where she sails. Together with our partners Kymeta and OmniAccess, we are demonstrating the fully serviced ecosystem of specialist connectivity now readily available to the maritime industry.”
Carlos Carbajal, CEO, OmniAccess, said: “We are delighted to be part of this ground-breaking collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb, working together to deliver cutting-edge connectivity solutions for the St. Helena, a pivotal component of Extreme E’s motorsport and sustainability operations. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in maritime communications technology, OmniAccess remains committed to providing innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our clients.”
Extreme E Season 4 begins in Saudi Arabia next month (17-18 February), with preparations for the fourth instalment of the sport for purpose electric racing series underway.
