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How Seaventure modernised its mission-critical IT infrastructure before the start of a new expedition season
Case in brief
For an expedition cruise ship operating in some of the most remote locations on earth, IT is part of the operation.
- The challenge was replacing and modernising the complete IT environment before the start of a new expedition season.
- The solution was a complete infrastructure renewal, including connectivity, Wi-Fi, data migration, onboard integrations and ongoing support.
- The result is a modern and reliable environment that supports guests, crew and daily operations across the globe.
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When your ship operates in Antarctica and the Arctic, there is little room for uncertainty. Guests expect connectivity. Crew members need reliable communication. And when a ship is operating thousands of miles from the nearest port, solving problems afterwards is rarely an option.
Seaventure’s ageing IT environment no longer matched the demands of a modern expedition operation. Network bottlenecks were affecting performance, while connectivity expectations from both guests and crew continued to increase. With a new season approaching, there was a limited window available to modernise the entire environment.
When the existing environment starts holding you back
Connectivity onboard Seaventure supports everything from navigation and reporting to operational systems and onboard applications. Over time, that foundation was becoming a limitation. “We were experiencing network bottlenecks and operating on an outdated infrastructure,” Remi explains. “The existing environment was limiting performance, creating inefficiencies, and making it difficult to meet the growing connectivity expectations of both guests and crew.”
The goal was to create an environment that could support the operation for years to come, while removing the limitations of the existing infrastructure.
A project with a fixed operational deadline
The first contact between 66° Expeditions and Dutch IT Supplier took place in August 2024. After that introduction, the team carried out a site survey onboard Seaventure while the ship was in Vlissingen. From the outset, the objective was clear: assess the existing environment, design a replacement and prepare the project for execution.
Within a matter of weeks, the project needed to be scoped, quoted and prepared, while hardware availability and technical requirements were still being assessed. Then the project was postponed. And when the project resumed in February 2025, existing quotations, availability checks and planning all had to be revisited.
One thing remained unchanged: the ship had to be operational by the start of May. That made the choice of partner just as important as the technology itself. “We were looking for a partner who demonstrated attention to detail, strong international experience, flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving,” says Remi. “Equally important was the ability to deliver a turnkey solution on time and with minimal disruption to our operations.”
From Portugal to polar waters
The implementation phase started in mid-April 2025. Seaventure was preparing for the upcoming season in Portugal. Hardware was shipped to Lisbon, and five Dutch IT Supplier engineers travelled to the ship to perform the deployment.
What followed was an high-pressure week onboard. The team carried out a complete Wi-Fi site survey, deployed a new infrastructure, migrated data and services, configured the new WAN environment, and implemented both Starlink and Iridium connectivity. They created separate captive portals for guests and crew, and established integrations with onboard platforms including ResCompany and CruisePal.
Data migration was one of the most critical parts of the project. As IT Manger Kent explains, “The required time for data migration may be much longer than expected. And when the data to be migrated is too large, the likelihood of migration failure will increase accordingly.” In other words, careful preparation and testing were essential.
Meanwhile, the existing environment was carefully dismantled, securely wiped and prepared for environmentally responsible disposal. Everything had to be completed before departure. “The entire project was professionally managed and executed by Dutch IT Supplier,” says Remi. “Despite the challenging timeline, they delivered the project delivered on schedule and within budget, ensuring that the ship was fully operational and ready for the start of the new season.”
Clear communication creates confidence
Projects like these involve more than technology. International logistics, multiple stakeholders and fixed sailing schedules all need to come together at the right moment.
“What stood out most was the quality of communication throughout the project,” says Remi. “We received timely updates, realistic assessments and professional feedback at every stage.” That transparency kept expectations clear, enabled faster decision-making and helped the team move forward with confidence throughout the project.
“Reliable communications and IT systems are critical to our operation. In these remote environments, a stable and dependable IT infrastructure is not a luxury—it’s an operational necessity.”
Captain Remi Eriksen, Vice President Ship Operations, 66° Expeditions
The impact onboard
Today, Seaventure digital operations run on an IT environment that is more stable, scalable and easier to manage. As Kent explains: “The new solution carries all the infrastructure of Seaventure and is the foundation of all application software.”
The new environment was also designed with operational continuity in mind. Critical infrastructure components now have backup systems in place, reducing dependency on individual systems and strengthening reliability across the ship. That impact became visible immediately after implementation. Guests gained access to a faster and more reliable internet experience. Crew members benefited from improved communication capabilities, while operational systems became more responsive and better supported by the underlying infrastructure.
Reliable connectivity also improves life onboard. For crew members spending extended periods at sea, access to stable communication channels plays an important role in maintaining contact with family and friends back home. “The improvements have been significant,” says Remi. “We now benefit from a much faster and more reliable internet connection throughout the ship. This has enhanced operational efficiency, improved communication capabilities, and greatly improved the connectivity experience for both guests and crew.”
The project didn't stop after delivery
For Dutch IT Supplier, delivery was not the end goal. Once the new environment was in place, the team stayed involved through connectivity management, monthly Starlink and Iridium services and ongoing support for the ship and its IT team.
Beyond technical support, Dutch IT Supplier remains responsible for managing the ship’s connectivity services. That includes the ongoing management of both Starlink and Iridium subscriptions, creating a single point of responsibility for infrastructure, connectivity and support.
Today, Dutch IT Supplier provides second- and third-line support, ensuring our expertise remains available long after the implementation has been completed. “We highly value their clear communication, predictable cost structure and ability to consistently deliver within budget,” says Remi. “Their professionalism and ongoing support have made them a trusted partner for our operations.”
Why it works
Remi describes Dutch IT Supplier as “a reliable and professional partner that understands the unique challenges of maritime operations.” He points to the combination of technical expertise, strong project management, clear communication and a proactive approach as key reasons for the project’s success.
Dutch IT Supplier’s ability to deliver a complete solution on time and within budget helped Seaventure modernise its IT environment, without compromising operational readiness
Consider it done.
Seaventure needed more than a technology upgrade. It needed a partner capable of planning, coordinating and delivering a complete IT transformation within a fixed operational window. From the first site survey in Vlissingen to implementation in Portugal. From rebuilding the onboard infrastructure to managing connectivity and supporting the crew long after deployment.
One project. One partner. One point of responsibility.
Consider it done.
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