New satellite communications system unveiled for maritime

Investment in a new satellite constellation during 2022 will bring a faster communications network for offshore vessels and commercial shipping in 2023. 

London-headquartered OneWeb is building a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation through multi-satellite launches for low-latency communications. 

OneWeb vice president of maritime and energy Carole Plessy explained the benefits and advantages of using this network for offshore and maritime connectivity, speaking at Riviera Maritime Media’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference 2022. 

Ms Plessy says OneWeb will provide connectivity for cloud-based applications, onboard internet of things and crew communications at faster rates and with fewer delays than geostationary orbiting satellites. 

OneWeb is testing its initial northern hemisphere service by connecting a North Sea platform this year, and will be starting a full global service with low latency for maritime in 2023. 

The company has signed with distribution partners to test connectivity with Intellian terminals and for the full global roll out during the next few years.