Japanese shipping company MOL has completed sea trials of SpaceX’s Starlink broadband internet on board one of its vessels.
The trial was conducted on board an MOL-operated car carrier and confirmed speeds of up to 50 times faster compared to conventional satellite-based broadband services.
Connectivity at sea can go a long way in boosting crew morale. Last year, a International Labor Organization (ILO) committee adopted new amendments to Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) aimed at improving the living and working conditions of seafarers. Among them was an amendment to include the right to mandatory social connectivity for crews – including internet access
Starlink service can provide seafarers with the same level of connectivity as on shore, including access to movies, television and video calls. Greater bandwidth also has major implications for the adoption of new technology, including AI and remotely-operated systems.
“Seafarers’ work requires to spend time far from home, and it is extremely important to have improved Internet connectivity onboard so that we can connect with family and friends in real time via video calls, even while we are at sea,” said one crew member on board the trial vessel.
MOL said it will continue trials on multiple vessels with the intention of adopting the service on MOL-operated vessels.
Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update
Essential maritime and offshore news, insights, and updates delivered daily straight to your inbox
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has released a new report revealing that 11.39% of inspected cargo shipments contained deficiencies in 2024, continuing a vital data series that the International Maritime...
Spain will increase pressure on Israel by banning Israel-bound ships and aircraft carrying weapons from calling at Spanish ports or entering Spanish airspace, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday.
China appears to be setting up a system to import regular cargoes of liquefied natural gas from a Russian project sanctioned by the US, a move that will test the Trump administration’s willingness to penalize Beijing in its efforts to curb Moscow’s energy revenue.
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
Stay informed with the latest maritime and offshore news, delivered daily straight to your inbox
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
