LEO brings high-speed connectivity applications 

More distribution partners are including Starlink in hybrid communications packages providing benefits for vessel owners and crew. They are installing flat-panel Kymeta or Intellian antennas to communicate with the LEO satellites SpaceX is constantly launching to refresh the constellation.

Tug and ship owner Seaspan is using Starlink for operational communications and real-time monitoring, IT support and fleet management. Seaspan chief operating officer Torsten Pedersen says there are huge benefits including using applications driven by artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise operations and improve navigational safety. 

“We use Starlink to collect data automatically for emissions monitoring, reporting and verification across the fleet,” says Mr Pedersen. “We have improved remote support and have faster download speeds.”

Seaspan uses Starlink to transfer data to a cloud-based pool, where Orca AI is applied to prevent near misses and accidents, and optimise voyages to save fuel. “Our ships are offices with the same standards for data transfers with direct links to data lakes,” says Mr Pedersen. “The business case is driving operational efficiencies and improving safety.”

Orca AI developed a digital watchkeeper to improve navigation, a platform for using algorithms to optimise vessel operations and the FleetView office dashboard. “Connectivity is the enabler to use AI, get efficiencies and improve performance,” says Orca AI chief executive Yarden Gross.

The digital watchkeeper provides information on top of the view from the wheelhouse, similar to augmented reality, helping masters to identify hazards and objects earlier, enabling them to take avoidance manoeuvres earlier and reduce fuel consumption.

“We increased vessel safety, with on average a 33% reduction in close encounters using Orca AI, and improved fuel efficiency by 3% on average, which improves sustainability and reduces emissions,” says Mr Gross.

Connectivity nexus 

Inmarsat has launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service for the maritime industry in response to LEO services. It integrates multiple high-speed networks in real time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, LEO, as-available coastal long-term evolution (LTE) services, 4G/5G and L-band for resiliency – for faster connectivity and enterprise-grade firewall security.

NexusWave will also integrate the next-generation ultra-high capacity high-speed ViaSat-3 Ka-band service, following expected entry into service in 2025.

“Maritime operators face ever-growing demand for data consumption and speeds on board their vessels, coupled with the operational challenges of connecting worldwide while ensuring the security and efficiency of their communications,” says Inmarsat president Ben Palmer. He adds NexusWave is pitched at resolving concerns over reliable communications at sea, the industry’s ongoing digitalisation and crew welfare initiatives. The service is designed to provide operators with unlimited data worldwide.

Marlink is expanding its global service support network in strategic maritime locations to improve its response to technical issues and vessel upgrades. It will establish support centres in Houston, US; Bratislava, Slovakia; Athens, Greece; Dubai, UAE; Singapore; and Tokyo, Japan, to help with connectivity, managed networks, access to cloud platforms, cyber security, internet-of-things and applications.

Marlink is also strengthening its second-level maritime network for operations (MNOC) by expanding its coverage in Bratislava to 24x7, bringing this into line with services provided by the MNOC at Eik teleport, Norway, and IT solutions and support based in Manila, Philippines.

China TranComm Technologies Co will provide Cobham Satcom’s latest VSAT antennas for new vessels built in China. Sailor XTR antennas will enable vessels to connect to GEO satellites using Ku-band and come with a built-in ethernet port for easy integration of third-party devices and functions for switching between satellite and close-to-shore mobile phone services.

Outside of satellite, Icom has introduced the first hybrid marine radio, IP-M60, that combines very high frequency (VHF) with 4G LTE communications in one handheld device. IP-M60 can be used offshore, in ports and terminals and on inland waterways. It can be used by tugs and workboats, harbour authorities or by search and rescue agencies. 

Users can operate VHF and LTE modes simultaneously to monitor and communicate freely to other users with uninterrupted long-range communications, depending on 4G and LTE coverage. Its built-in GPS automatically transmits positional data at programmed intervals, enabling maritime organisations to monitor and communicate with crew using IP-M60 radios. 

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