In the shipping industry, communication is a lifeline. But for seafarers spending weeks or months offshore, outdated systems and patchy satellite networks can leave them disconnected from their company, their colleagues, and often, their families. This large European shipping company wanted to change that. With Wyzetalk’s tailored solution, they created a secure, scalable communication system that reaches crew members wherever they are, proving that people come first, even at sea.
The industry
The maritime shipping industry is the backbone of global trade, yet its workforce remains among the most isolated in the modern economy. Seafaring employees often endure long stretches without meaningful contact, relying on costly, unreliable, or outdated communication tools. Modern shipping demands modern connectivity. Companies that can bridge the communication gap between ship and shore are better positioned to reduce risk, improve morale, and lead with trust across every wave and port.
The company
As one of Europe’s biggest multi-functional container shipping companies, it operates a fleet of 54 vessels and employs more than 1,100 seafaring crew.
The business challenge
In the past, traditional solutions for seafaring employees relied on satellite connectivity, which is intermittent, prohibitively expensive, and limited to one-way communication. Multiple direct satellite links also raised security concerns, presenting the company with a two-fold challenge: high cost and low control.
The business required an economically viable, effective internal engagement tool that could be safely used by all employees, both onshore and offshore. It was also essential that the company could demonstrate a genuine commitment to its people, and keeping the entire workforce informed, connected, and engaged was integral to this goal.
The Wyzetalk solution
By collaborating closely with the shipping company’s senior management and operational teams, we gained deep insight into their pain points and developed workable solutions.
To solve the business’s connectivity challenges, a Satellite Hosting Instance (SHI) was specifically engineered for the shipping industry. A small virtual hosting instance was installed on each vessel in the fleet, enabling communication to be channelled via the SHI. This meant that head office could easily communicate with seafaring crew, and that the crew could also stay connected with each other.
The results
The solution that we developed has allowed seafaring employees to have an open channel of communication, regardless of where they are
Employees feel more engaged and valued, with access to interesting content that boosts connection and productivity
Data costs have been reduced significantly due to efficient single-file transfers via the virtual hosting instance
Fewer satellites are required, making information sharing safer and more secure
Why Wyzetalk
“Wyzetalk has a proven track record of driving and executing innovation in industries that are often viewed as change-resistant, which was a key factor in our decision to partner with them. The Wyzetalk solution allows our non-desk employees to stay connected through an easy, informal, and engaging application that will contribute to the safety and well-being of our employees at sea.
Better connectivity has made a real difference – our seafarers feel more confident and supported in their roles. Clear, consistent communication has reduced workplace risks and ultimately improved the overall employee experience.”
Managing Director at a large European shipping company