Cruise shipowners and operators can enhance onboard connectivity for guests, crew and operations by deploying multi-orbit satellite communications
Combining medium earth orbit (MEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) constellations with very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technologies creates a fast hybrid communications system for applications and welfare services.
Constellation owner SES is collaborating with SpaceX to offer LEO services over the Starlink network with its own VSAT and MEO O3b mPower satellites.
“Multi-orbit constellations can bring maritime connectivity, powering a more sustainable and rewarding future for passengers, operators and crew,” said SES vice president for maritime connectivity Greg Martin.
He said cruise ship operators are beginning to understand the value of multi-orbit constellations providing the secure and reliable services expected by passengers and crew to ensure they have positive experiences at sea. Owners can also benefit from using connectivity and software to optimise voyages, improve onboard efficiencies and meet increasingly strict environmental regulations.
“Multi-orbit constellations ensure providers can deliver high-quality connectivity for passengers, operators and crew,” said Mr Martin. “By matching each application with the most appropriate orbit, multi-orbit constellations provide the connectivity needed to support the maritime industry’s digital transformation, energy transition and sustainability journey, and to meet passenger expectations, wherever a vessel may be sailing.”
SES’s newest satellite constellation, O3b mPower, coupled with Starlink, has resulted in a partnership that delivers the maritime industry’s first end-to-end connectivity solution – SES Cruise mPowered + Starlink.
“This combines the best of geostationary satellites, MEO and LEO orbits to allow cruise operators to provide a unique guest and crew experience underpinned by reliable and secure throughput connectivity 24/7 regardless of where they may be sailing,” said Mr Martin. “This marks a new frontier in satellite connectivity innovation and the potential of multi-orbit constellations.”
These deliver high speed, high bandwidth and low latency from satellite-based connectivity using all available satellites in multiple orbits and onboard wifi and networks for seamless communications.
“The cruise sector has invested particularly heavily in providing a world-class onboard experience, and travellers expect high quality, constant connectivity as standard now,” said Mr Martin. This connectivity allows artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to be used by cruise ship owners and operators.
“AI technology and cloud-based data enable cruise lines to develop connected experiences such as wearables or tailored customer offerings that help them to remain competitive when it comes to the battle for passengers,” he added.
At the same time, the cruise sector is under growing pressure to decarbonise. “Growing environmental regulations combined with a global spotlight on ESG practices mean the sector must credibly tackle its pollution problem, now,” Mr Martin continued.
“How cruise lines measure and report their emissions will be critical to navigating this new era of sustainability, and to future-proof operations.”
Multi-orbit connectivity helps cruise liners to meet their environmental obligations, optimise operations, report against emissions-reduction targets and connect onboard and onshore teams for faster decisions.
“As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, connectivity demands across the maritime industry will only continue to grow,” said Mr Martin. “Passengers, operators and industry stakeholders will expect more from each voyage - new experiences, accessing more remote voyages, greener journeys and more.
“Finding ways to not only meet these expectations but to exceed them is made possible by the technology and connectivity we have at our fingertips.”
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