Inmarsat has opened a new expanded Asia-Pacific regional office in Singapore.

The new office forms one of three global hubs covering that cover along with similar hubs in Europe and the US.

Speaking at a ceremony for the opening of its new Singapore office, Inmarsat ceo Rupert Pearce, described it as a step change for the company in the Lion City. He said last year Inmarsat’s Singapore office grew by 25% and similar growth is expected this year.

As a regional hub all the logistics for installing Inmarsat systems onboard vessels across Asia will be run from Singapore. Ronald Spithout, president of Inmarsat Maritime told Seatrade Maritime News that 50% of its maritime business is in Asia, in part driven by the shipbuilding industry in Korea, Japan and China and installations of systems on newbuildings.

The first quarter of this year will see the launch of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress service for the shipping industry after the successful launch of the third satellite and this is expected to drive further growth.

Singapore has been Inmarsat’s Asia – Pacific headquarters since 2008. “Through this facility, we are confirming our on-going commitment to Singapore as the base for our regional operations,” Pearce said.