2022's top stories in Maritime Optimisation & Communications

The predominant theme among the most-read stories of 2022 is the advancement of satellite communications technology, internet access for shipping and offshore assets, and the offices and seafarers that work with and on them. New satellite networks in low-earth orbit and multi-layered orbits, and the entry of Elon Musk-owned Starlink were among the favourites.

And, as with last year’s most-read stories, Maritime Optimisation & Communications readers were keen to understand the latest breakthroughs in autonomous shipping.

To read each story in full, click on the headline, the image or the link at the end of the text.

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1. How LEO satellites will transform offshore connectivity

An expert panel provided insight into the latest developments in offshore vessel communications during Riviera Maritime Media’s How LEO satellites will transform maritime and offshore connectivity webinar. These experts explained how low earth orbit (LEO) satellites are positioned to offer the maritime and offshore industries another option for high-speed communications and connectivity. On the panel were Fugro director of positioning and construction support Alastair McKie, Speedcast director for commercial maritime products Sandro Delucia and Intellian senior director, product line management Prakash Hari.

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2. Intelsat invests US$2Bn in new satellite network

Intelsat is investing US$2Bn in a new satellite network to enhance communications in sectors including maritime. The global satellite owner is planning to launch and commission 10 software-defined satellites as part of its vision to introduce a worldwide unified 5G network.

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3. Keppel gains world-first autonomous vessel notations

Keppel Smit Towage and Keppel Offshore & Marine have achieved an industry-first in autonomous vessels and remote command. Together, they have received the first autonomous and remote-control navigation notations from classification society ABS and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore.

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4. Elon Musk dives into maritime communications

Starlink is making its debut in maritime communications, providing connectivity for mariners and vessel owners. Elon Musk’s SpaceX subsidiary has been added to Marlink, OmniAccess and Speedcast connectivity networks to provide high-speed, low-latency communications. Starlink will strengthen networks by providing another layer of connectivity for maritime and enterprise customers, which already include satellite communications from geostationary orbiting satellites.

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5. Seafarer internet connectivity becomes mandatory

Shipowners worldwide will be driven to install internet connectivity on ships after seafarers’ groups won the right to mandatory social connectivity for crews, including onboard internet access, through updates to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.

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