Communications and optimisation news: fleet connectivity/software; autonomous vessels

Tanker group Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) has equipped all its vessels with Elon Musk’s Space X’s Starlink satellite internet services.

OSG’s IT department worked with distributers to install Starlink hardware on its tankers and articulated tug-barge (ATB) units to offer faster connectivity for crews.

These terminals communicate with Starlink’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, enabling OSG seafarers to use high-speed internet at low latency in remote maritime locations for video calls, accessing streaming services and using social media.

“Our crew identified this as important, and we listened,” said OSG chief operations officer Patrick O’Halloran. “The goal of the Starlink install was to enhance vessel communications and improve our crew’s ability to connect with family and friends,” he said.

“Our seafarers are the greatest asset we possess, and we are glad to support them on this. Our investment in Starlink technology represents a major step forward in our industry and highlights our commitment to improving the quality of life for our crewmembers while they are at sea.”

OSG gains operational benefits from deploying Starlink across its fleet. “The implementation of this service will further position OSG as a forward-thinking organisation in the maritime industry,” Mr O’Halloran continued.

“The availability of reliable, high-speed internet access while our ships are travelling across the globe will permit seafarers to better manage their vessels and communicate with shoreside staff.”

Tampa, Florida-headquartered OSG’s US-flag fleet consists of Suezmax crude oil tankers doing business in Alaska, conventional and lightering ATBs, shuttle and conventional MR tankers and non-Jones Act MR tankers that participate in the US tanker security programme.

Amazon progresses with LEO satellite plans

Amazon has successfully tested laser links between prototype satellites as part of its plans to build the rival Project Kuiper LEO constellation. It intends to use optical inter-satellite links (OISLs) for fast communications and low latency for maritime applications. 

This uses infrared lasers to send data between spacecraft in a mesh network instead of sending data between an individual satellite and antennas on the ground.

Amazon said it achieved data communications speeds of 100 Gbps during tests between KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 prototype satellites, which were launched in October 2023, over a distance of nearly 1,000 km.

Following these results, Amazon will include operational OISLs on its first commercial satellites, planned for launch H1 2024.