Maersk to Roll-Out Starlink Satellite Internet Across Containership Fleet

A.P. Moller – Maersk has announced plans to install SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet on its fleet of more than 330 owned containerships.

The agreement comes after a successful pilot phase where crew members on more than 30 Maersk vessels successfully tested the Starlink technology with “very positive” feedback. Roll-out is expected to be complete in Q1 2024.

Starlink’s services will enable high-speed, low latency internet with speeds over 200 Mbps, bringing significant benefits in terms of both crew welfare and operational benefits. With Starlink, seafarers can expect the same level of connectivity as they have ashore, including access to movies, television and video calls not only with family and friends, but also shoreside support teams. It will also contribute to cost-saving measures such as moving business critical applications to the cloud and strengthening remote support and inspections of vessels.

“We are excited to announce our journey with Starlink to provide state of the art connectivity to our sea going colleagues,” said Leonardo SonzioHead of Fleet Management and Technology at A.P. Moller – Maersk. “The highspeed connectivity will enable our seagoing colleagues to stay connected with their loved ones while at sea. It will also propel the expansion of seamless cloud solutions, enabling our vision to digitalise our vessel operations.”

Maersk’s announcement comes just weeks after Hapag-Lloyd announced its plans to roll out Starlink satellite internet technology across its fleet starting this year with activation expected in 2024. Hong Kong-based ship manager Anglo-Eastern is also planning more 200 Starlink installations on its managed ships after an initial dozen vessels were equipped with the technology. MOL has also trialed the technology with positive results.

“A.P. Moller – Maersk’s vessels are key to global trade, and Starlink’s high-speed broadband through the world’s most advance satellite internet constellation will help boost efficiency through seamless connectivity no matter where in the world they are,” said Jonathan Hofeller, SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink Commercial Sales.

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