Hapag-Lloyd has announced that it will deploy SpaceX’s Starlink internet service across its fleet of ships. After successful testing, the service will be provided to more than a hundred ships, providing reliable internet communications during long voyages.
Hapag-Lloyd AG, one of the largest container shipping companies based in Germany, said it will install SpaceX’s Starlink service on board ships it owns and operates. At this time, the service under this plan will not apply to charters. According to Alphaliner data, 122 of the 259 ships that Hapag-Lloyd operates are company-owned.
In a press release, Hapag-Lloyd said that since May of this year, crewmembers of four pilot vessels have had the opportunity to test Starlink technology. They provided excellent feedback on these trials, which paved the way for wider deployment. High-speed satellite internet has revolutionized communications for seafarers, enabling seamless video calls and streaming services. This helps sailors not to lose touch with the outside world, which has a positive effect on their psycho-emotional state.
The Starlink satellite network offers an impressive throughput of up to 250 megabits per second. This not only facilitates private use but also allows Hapag-Lloyd to carry out remote maintenance and inspections of vessels. This innovation will lead to cost savings and improved service quality. The company plans to place an order for the equipment and complete its installation on ships by the end of 2023. The phased activation of the service will begin in early 2024.
Dr. Maximilian Rothkopf, COO at Hapag-Lloyd, sees a great benefit: “We are very happy to provide our seafarers with Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet and thus to enhance their well-being on board. But also for Fleet Management the change in communication and connectivity will be huge.”
SpaceX is increasingly being deployed among shipping companies around the world. For example, in June, Seaspan announced a partnership with SpaceX to become the first major container ship owner and operator to fully equip its fleet with Starlink.
