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Intership Navigation, Thenamaris latest to use Starlink for satellite communications
A large number of shipowners and managers have signed with recent market entrant, Elon Musk-owned Starlink, for fleet connectivity
Intership Navigation is the latest to test Elon Musk’s low earth orbit (LEO) constellation of low-latency satellites for its vessels. The company is working with Tototheo Maritime to test SpaceX’s Starlink on three ships in its owned fleet to enhance crew welfare services and improve connectivity for critical ship-to-shore communications and operations.
“We are constantly seeking ways to enhance the onboard experience for our crew members and improve operational efficiency,” said Intership Navigation chief executive Dieter Rohdenburg.
“The Starlink service provided by Tototheo Maritime is a major step in that direction, and we are pleased to be testing it on our ships. We are confident this service will enable us to stay connected and optimise our operations.”
Intership Navigation has an owned and managed fleet of around 70 ships. Additionally, it further manages approximately 50 ships on a crew management basis.
“With the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity at sea, Starlink is a game-changer for the maritime industry,” said Tototheo Maritime co-chief executive Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou.
“Crew members can now smoothly communicate with headquarters and land-based support staff as if they are in any office around the globe. We are at the forefront of this technological advancement and look forward to supporting Intership Navigation’s digital transformation journey.”
Greek shipowner and manager Thenamaris will deploy Starlink on its vessels as part of Marlink’s smart hybrid network, Sealink NextGen. This combines new LEO services with very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and L-band connectivity from geostationary orbiting satellites, 5G and other digital solutions.
Thenamaris is an existing user of Marlink’s high-throughput Sealink VSAT with L-band back-up in part of its fleet. It will soon include Starlink LEO for a blended network spanning guaranteed bandwidth and best-effort services across multiple channels.
“To be a leader in commercial and technical ship management requires us to constantly explore new ways and utilise cutting-edge technology, to improve efficiency and enhance life on board ship,” said Thenamaris electrical supervisor George Tsivgoulis.
“Marlink’s hybrid approach, now incorporating Starlink, will enable us to achieve these objectives, which drives the decision to test the new satellite communications architecture.”
Thenamaris is a global manager of 88 vessels, including 50 crude oil and products tankers, 23 bulk carriers and container ships, seven LNG carriers and eight LPG carriers.
“Marlink continues to play a key role in helping industry leaders like Thenamaris take the next steps on their digital journey and accrue the benefits of new technology to support that transformation,” said Marlink president for maritime Tore Morten Olsen.
“We see Sealink NextGen as key to helping vessel operators and managers unlock the benefits of digitalisation and improve connectivity for their crews.”
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