Elcome launches bandwidth-free video on demand for seafarers

In a move to improve life at sea and reduce satellite data costs, Elcome International has rolled out a new Video on Demand (VoD) service tailored specifically for ship crews. The service allows seafarers to stream movies, TV shows, podcasts, and news without using up the vessel’s Internet bandwidth.

Unlike conventional streaming platforms that eat into expensive satellite data, Elcome’s VoD system works entirely offline. Content is broadcast over the ship’s internal network from a locally installed media server, with regular updates pulled during off-peak hours to avoid any disruption to vessel operations.

”Until now, most crews could only watch a single TV channel at a time in the mess hall, often in a language foreign to their own,” said Asneed Ameer, Senior Manager – Connectivity, Elcome.

Additionally, the platform can stream to up to 26 devices at once, giving every crew member personal access to a wide selection of content. Two flexible subscription packages are available: the basic option offers 160 movies and nearly 190 hours of TV programming, while the premium package includes 200 movies and over 830 hours of content.

”Shipowners gain a cost-effective crew welfare enhancement that supports retention and morale, while crews get entertainment that respects their cultural and language preferences,” commented Ameer. 

The service is already being trialled aboard a number of vessels, including offshore support ships and merchant fleets.

”This isn’t a consumer app repurposed for ships. It’s a custom-designed solution built for life at sea,” added Ameer.

Elcome says the cost is comparable to two regular consumer streaming subscriptions but without the surprise data charges that usually accompany them at sea.

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