ARC opts for SpaceX high-speed LEO satcoms

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group Inc (ARC) has become the latest US-flag fleet company to take on SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet technology. ARC provides government services including global logistics and shipping services. The company and its US affiliates own and manage the largest US-flag roro fleet providing American-owned, managed and crewed roro shipping and intermodal services committed to the requirements of the United States Department of Defense and other government agencies. 

The company said it aims to enable seafarers to stay connected with friends and family onshore while at sea. SpaceX’s Starlink low earth orbit (LEO) communications promise to be a game changer for communications at sea where internet speeds and data quotas have long lagged behind onshore terminals. The inability of mariners to access high-speed internet connections at sea is seen as a growing barrier to life at sea, most notably during the pandemic when crews remained at sea for months on end, with limited or no access to friends and family ashore.

“Our mariners are the most important asset we have,” said ARC president and chief executive Eric Ebeling. “They put in long weeks at sea and make tremendous personal sacrifices to help our military partners move critical vehicles and materials to strategically important regions of the world. This new technology allows ARC’s crews to maintain contact with family and friends ashore while delivering for the US government.”

Starting in early 2023, ARC has been adding Starlink to its vessels one by one, finishing installation on its newest vessel, ARC Honor, this February. In addition to supporting the wellness of seafarers, ARC hopes the move to add Starlink across the entire fleet will also improve security and communications on board the vessels.

“Wifi has become a necessity for many mariners, rather than a luxury,” said Seafarers International Union communications director Jordan Biscardo, adding, “Improving seafarer quality of life is a priority and we are glad to see ARC is making improvements like adding Starlink to the ships they are working on.”