2024's top stories in Maritime Optimisation & Communications

Again in the most-read stories of 2024 in our communications-related content, the advancement of satellite communications technology for maritime stands out. Satellite networks in low-earth orbit and multi-layered orbits, and the continued uptake of the Elon Musk-owned Starlink were among the favourites.

But our stories spanned many of the subjects central to shipping’s emerging digital revolution. Maritime Optimisation & Communications readers were keen to understand the latest breakthroughs in autonomous shipping, are wary of the business impacts of cyber attacks, while also watching digitalisation slowly change age-old paper practices and centuries-old companies.

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

1. One year to go for IMO non-mandatory MASS Code

IMO is writing a legislative code to regulate maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) to ensure these autonomous vessels operate safely in co-existence with conventional ships. The international maritime authority expects to finalise and adopt a non-mandatory MASS Code in May 2025, based on the progress to date. According to IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, this is part of a lengthy roadmap to having a full mandatory regulatory code in force after 2030.

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2. Pay-as-you-go Starlink service now available for maritime

Maritime technology provider Elcome International has launched a pay-as-you-go satellite internet service for ships and offshore installations. Named WELCOME, the service is based on Starlink’s global maritime offering, and will provide high-speed, low-latency internet access with no fixed monthly fees. It is targeted at crew and passengers. Crew members will be able to purchase data bundles or monthly subscriptions starting at just US$3 using both international and regional credit cards, online wallets and other payment methods. 

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3. Yara Marine is now Manta Marine; unveils new leadership

Yara Marine is rebranding as Manta Marine Technologies following its acquisition by Okapi Supply Trading Advisory. Riviera reported on Yara Marine Technologies’ acquisition for an undisclosed sum. As part of Okapi’s portfolio, the new brand will be called Manta Marine Technologies. The cosmetic change comes with changes to leadership. Ina Reksten, who previously served as deputy chief executive will take over as chief executive. Outgoing chief executive Thomas Koniordos has been appointed as chair of the board, while former chief sales officer, Aleksander Askeland will serve as new chief financial officer with Richard Engelhart Bjercke steping up as the new chief commercial officer.

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4. Be prepared: mandatory cyber-security requirements coming in July 2024

A panel of industry experts highlighted the need to be prepared during Riviera’s New mandatory cyber security requirements in 2024: How to keep your ship compliant webinar. This was held with sponsorship from Speedcast, on 26 April during Riveria’s Maritime Cyber Security Webinar Week. Shipyards, designers, owners and vendors were advised to be ready for unified requirements from the International Association of Classification Societies, which enter into force in July 2024.

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5. Inmarsat launches NexusWave to counter Musk’s Starlink

NexusWave is a fully managed service that integrates multiple high-speed networks in real time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, low-earth orbit (LEO) services, as-available coastal LTE service, with an additional layer of 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.

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