FusionIP provided fast, efficient 4G connectivity during SUP surfer Casper Steinfath’s dangerous Viking Challenge 2.0
Casper Steinfath warm and happy back on land after 19 hours in icy conditions at sea
Photo Credit: Hans Høite Augustenborg
19 March 2018 – NSSLGlobal’s recently launched FusionIP innovation, combining VSAT and LTE cellular connectivity within the same device, was put to the test this weekend when Danish stand-up-paddle (SUP) surfer, Casper Steinfath used the solution on the support vessel for his successful extreme-endurance, 19-hour crossing of the Skagerrak — the infamous 137km ocean straight, known for its treacherous currents and wild weather, that separates Denmark from Norway.
While Casper tested his physical limits through the extremely cold waters between Klitmøller, Denmark and Kristiansand in Norway, the off-shore renewable energy support vessel tracking his progress — M/V Arriver of NOS, Sweden —also tested the limits of FusionIP, using the product’s superior bandwidth to perform multiple connectivity tasks out at sea.
As well as providing full uninterrupted use of a satellite phone with fans, family and journalists for the duration of the challenge, FusionIP supported Casper’s ship-to-shore data comms with the challenge HQ and allowed Casper’s support team to keep social media followers updated with a regular stream of photos, videos and messages.
Fully demonstrating the bandwidth FusionIP provides, Casper Steinfath’s challenge was filmed by an onboard TV production crew from TV2, a Danish national broadcast media, who also broadcasted it throughout the Sunday.
Within one single 60cm SAILOR dome, FusionIP integrates the best of two worlds; LTE and satellite broadband, allowing ships to automatically switch between 4G/3G and satellite networks to achieve optimum data speeds and cost efficiency. FusionIP represents a leap forward in terms of convenience. With one aesthetically pleasing antenna, a single system, and one point of contact for technical information, the new product/service is ideal for yachts, crew transfer vessels, offshore wind installation vessels, fishing vessels and coastal commercial vessels.
Speaking prior to the start of the challenge Casper Steinfath commented: “I feel so ready! I have prepared myself much better since last attempt both physically and mentally, but also with regards to my organization and the equipment we will use. I look forward to a safe passage and to stay in touch with my fans throughout the Viking Challenge”.
Nikolaj Hvegholm, CEO of NSSLGlobal ApS also commented: “We were pleased to support Casper in his Viking Challenge – in a tough environment we know well – with a solution that ensured he was connected with the rest of the world, when it mattered most to him.”
Viking Crossing 2.0 is the name of the Stand Up Paddler Casper Steinfath’s second attempt at crossing Skagerrak from Klitmøller or Hirtshals in Denmark to Kristiansand in Norge using his 3 meter long SUP-board and a paddle – a crossing of 137 kilometers – or approximately 60.000 paddlestrokes – under merciless conditions. Casper is now the first person to successfully cross Skagerrak on a surfboard.
Casper Steinfath is a 4-double World Champion in the surf discipline of Stand Up Paddling in Technical Race and the 200 meter’s sprint. In September 2017 in Copenhagen, he won his latest WM gold in 200 meter’s sprint.
For more information on FusionIP, please visit: www.nsslglobal.com/FusionIP and to find out more about Casper Steinfath’s challenge visit: Casper’s Facebook page https://en-gb.facebook.com/Caspersteinfath/ and http://sport.tv2.dk/oevrig-sport/2017-09-03-dansker-padlede-sig-til-vm-guld-i-koebenhavn (TV footage in Danish language).