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MOL to trial Starlink on its operated ships

Shipowner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will trial the use of the satellite communication service Starlink, offered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, on its operated ships.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

December 13, 2022

1 Min Read
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MOL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with maritime connectivity specialist Marlink that started offering Starlink services to maritime companies and enterprises last September.  

Starlink’s constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) enables much lower latency and higher-capacity communications than traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites.

MOL will now deploy the hybrid connectivity solutions on selected vessels, integrating Starlink LEO with Marlink’s Sealink GEO VSAT service and its digital platform. 

The aim is to increase operating safety through various technological methods of ship-to-shore communications and improve onboard life for seafarers with high-speed communication.

MOL said that it would verify the effectiveness and operability of this new offshore communication technology and in parallel develop work processes.

 “This pilot will demonstrate the unique user experience of high speed, low latency connectivity working alongside our highly reliable GEO VSAT services, enabling shipowners to drive operational efficiency and enhance crew welfare,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime, Marlink.

“MOL is pleased to be collaborating with Marlink to bring the next generation of maritime communications to our fleet and understand better how these services fit into our digital sustainability strategy,” said Ryusuke Kimura, Managing Executive Officer, Mitsui OSK Lines. 

Related:LEO enables a complete rethink of maritime operations

“The ability to improve our business processes and the welfare of our crews, with a partner like Marlink enables us to focus on our core activities and provide the best possible service to our customers.” 

The Marlink network will be completed with an L-band backup solution and orchestrated with Marlink’s network management platform, XChange and Cyber threat detection, including Security Operation Center (SOC) as a service.

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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