Satellite Communications News

Last August, U.S. Navy officials carrying out a test of unmanned vessels realized they had hit a single point of failure: Starlink. A global outage across Elon Musk’s satellite network affecting millions of Starlink users had left two dozen unmanned surface vessels bobbing off the California coast, disrupting communications and halting operations for almost an hour.The incident, which involved drones intended to bolster U.S. military options in a conflict with China, was one of…

Antarctica is the only continent without a fiber-optic connection.The technology required to get one there is available, but the creation of such infrastructure raises geopolitical questions, including its potential military use, say researchers from Germany.The US National Science Foundation has plans to build a subsea data cable link from New Zealand or Australia to its McMurdo research base in Antarctica. There’s been no update on the project under the current administration…

Leveraging the advancements in connectivity and augmented reality (AR) technology, Alfa Laval is strengthening its remote service offering to help crews troubleshoot, maintain compliance and optimize equipment performance in real time directly from vessels at sea. Building on successful trials in partnership with shipowners and ship managers, the company is now developing scalable remote support solutions that give crews continuous access to expert assistance, improving uptime…

The global maritime industry has long been the arterial system of the world economy, responsible for over 90% of global trade. For centuries, the primary dangers to a vessel were physical: crushing storms, mechanical failure, or the threat of piracy. However, as we move through 2026, the industry has reached a critical juncture. The rapid digitization of the sector—driven by the need for logistical optimization and fuel efficiency—has fundamentally shifted the threat landscape.

Island Marine Electric has appointed marine technology sales veteran Doug Bennis as Vice President of Sales & Marketing.Bennis brings experience in the maritime and satellite communications industries, where he has led global sales initiatives, developed strategic channel partnerships, and driven revenue growth across commercial and recreational marine markets. With a career rooted in marine connectivity and technology solutions, he has built a reputation for aligning evolving onboard systems with customer and vessel requirements in an increasingly connected marine environment.In his new role…

Two American defense firms are striking a strategic agreement to build a high-tech "wall of steel" to support the US Navy, commercial shipping and offshore operations in the Caribbean and Gulf of America.The partnership sees South Carolina-headquartered marine autonomy specialist Janus Marine & Defense join forces with New Mexico-based US Department of War RF Systems contractor Raven Defense Corporation. The "wall of steel" will protect offshore energy infrastructure, ports, and critical maritime corridors, reducing reliance on, and risk to, manned vessels.

Satcom Global has announced the launch of Aura Citadel, an on-vessel IT management and security solution providing simplicity, protection and control across the maritime IT environment.Vessels with Aura Citadel on board benefit from the combination of a simplified on-vessel business network improving order and resiliency, robust cyber security features and fast comprehensive disaster recovery. The new IT solution from Satcom Global empowers IT administrators to control the on…

Iridium Communications Inc., a provider of global voice, data, and PNT satellite communications, unveiled a miniature application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the Iridium PNT ASIC. Engineered for integration into a wide range of electronic devices, the Iridium PNT ASIC will deliver authenticated, pole-to-pole positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data. It will provide a resilient alternative to traditional GNSS, offering protection against spoofing and jamming for consumer…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to upgrade their fleet from Fleet Xpress (FX) service to NexusWave, to meet evolving operational and crew connectivity needs.The fleet-wide transition to NexusWave will allow MOL to benefit from Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity service and accelerate the digitalization strategy of the leading Japanese shipping company.Local Inmarsat partner JSAT MOBILE Communications will be responsible for implementing and supporting the upgrades on board…

Iridium Communications and its partner Navarino are supporting the installation of Iridium Certus® terminals on a fleet of “K” Line Energy Shipping (UK) vessels operating worldwide.The Iridium Certus terminals are being utilized as a companion to Starlink terminals as part of “K” Line’s maritime hybrid connectivity solution.“K” Line is equipping its fleet with enhanced connectivity as it prepares to support Northern Lights Joint Venture, which offers CO2 transport and storage…

Intellian Technologies Inc., a global technology solutions provider of multi-constellation satellite user terminals and Eutelsat Group, the only GEO-LEO operator in satellite communications, announced that the new Enterprise Flat Panels are now available exclusively on Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network.Featuring the OW11FM (Maritime), OW11FL (Land Fixed) and OW11FV (Land Mobility), the new series uses Intellian’s antenna technology to deliver connectivity to end users anywhere in the world for business-critical communications.

Maersk and Inmarsat Maritime have signed an agreement to upgrade satellite communications services across the Danish shipping giant's fleet of approximately 340 container ships. The agreement will see bandwidth enhancements rolled out across Maersk’s entire fleet of owned container ships between 2025 and 2026.These upgrades are part of Maersk’s strategic roadmap to facilitate unified connectivity, transform its vessels into fully operational floating offices, and provide crews with improved connectivity.

NYK Line and MTI have filed a patent application for a technology that monitors the transport of reduced iron on bulk carriers.Reduced iron is attracting attention because it does not require coke in the manufacturing process, a benefit for decarbonization of the industry. The demand for transport by sea is expected to increase, but there is a need for appropriate cargo management on board ships to prevent overheating, fire, and explosion risks during transport, says NYK.The system uses IoT technology to acquire and remotely monitor environmental data (temperature…

A new report published by DNV has revealed that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the industry should accept increased cyber risk from digitalization if it enables innovation and new technologies.The sector’s appetite to take on emerging risks arising from digital transformation is notably higher than other critical infrastructure industries including energy, manufacturing and healthcare, according to DNV.The industry’s increasing appetite for cyber risk comes at a time when it must manage a growing volume of vulnerabilities.Namely…

Norway-based technology group Nekkar has entered into an agreement to acquire the majority of the maritime connectivity and digital service provider Globetech.Globetech provides ICT (information and communication technology) infrastructure, connectivity and support services to the global maritime sector.Serving a fleet of 150 vessels, the company offers complete solutions for onboard network infrastructure including hardware, tailored solution architecture and system integration for satellite communications…

The IMO's Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) met from June 3 to 14 at IMO headquarters in London, covering a range of issues including maritime pilot safety, improving the security and integrity of AIS, and the dissemination of information over multiple recognized mobile satellite services under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).Pilot transfer arrangements and amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 agreedTo improve compliance and address inconsistencies and ambiguities in existing regulations…

Mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat, a Visata company, has launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service designed to improve maritime communications and global coverage at sea.NexusWave is underpinned by a bonded multi-dimensional network, offering high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, global coverage, and ‘secure by design’ infrastructure, according to Inmarsat.Delivered by a single provider, NexusWave offers fully managed service that seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band…

U.S.-based Chance Maritime Technologies, a startup and service provider of uncrewed vessel technology, reports it has completed long-endurance commissioning trials of its MC-29: a 29-foot-long, mission-capable USV that operates at high power with long endurance. The vehicle completed over 40 total operational days, which included 24 operational days of 24-hour operation in Vermilion Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.This new class of utility vessel offers kilowatts of continuously available payload power…

Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) has officially been awarded the Intellian OneWeb Certification, authorizing the company to carry out installations of Intellian parabolic antennas.The certification, issued by Intellian, a provider of satellite communication and antenna systems, makes AST authorized to install and maintain Intellian's parabolic antennas. In addition, AST will offer certified training for Intellian OneWeb solutions, covering all modules including installation…

British satellite communications company Inmarsat said on Wednesday it is nearing an agreement to move some of its ground communications systems from the Netherlands to Greece, resolving a conflict over 5G bandwidth use.The systems based in Burum, Netherlands, use the 3.5Ghz frequency range for emergency communications with sea traffic. Their location has been in doubt for years as the Dutch government plans to use the 3.5Ghz range for 5G telecommunications.Inmarsat said it received…

Digitalization in the maritime industry continues to grow. Technology is constantly evolving, providing organizations with new ways to transform and manage their operations with adoption of technology creating first-mover advantage and future relevancy, and positivity impacting margins. The offshore services industry has been a major driver in the trend towards utilization of remote inspection and monitoring technology for Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (IRM) of critical assets and infrastructure.

NYK has delivered Rera As, an NYK-owned crew transport vessel (CTV), to Siemens Gamesa for the Ishikari Bay New Port offshore wind farm.The ClassNK certified vessel is the first CTV owned and operated by the NYK Group and is largest gross tonnage CTV currently in operation in Japan (according to NYK research). NYK Group's Hokuyo Kaiun will manage and operate the vessel.The vessel was completed in Singapore in April, and it was reflaged to Japan after equipment modifications, such as fenders and radio equipment…

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded type approval in principle to SeaARCTOS for its emissions monitoring technology ARCTOS-1, which monitors carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) exhaust levels with a dedicated sensor attached to a vessel’s exhaust stack.Designed to provide transparency on emissions monitoring and help support compliance with local and regional sulphur regulations, ARCTOS-1 enables ship owners and operators to understand their vessel emissions…