Costamare, Navarino to Trial SpaceX Starlink on Vessels

Summary:

• Costamare and Navarino to trial Starlink on four vessels
• Test to evaluate improved operations, crew welfare and compliance
• Starlink to be used in a hybrid connectivity setup with existing satellite platforms

Greek vessel operator, Costamare, has partnered with its satcom provider Navarino to implement the Starlink satellite connectivity system on four vessels for a trial, according to an announcement made by the companies, reports Smart Maritime Network.

Costamare manages a fleet of 70 container ships and 45 dry bulk carriers, and the Starlink trial will provide the opportunity to assess how the company can benefit from greater access to data and online services.

Themis Sardis, Head of IT for Costamare, believes Starlink has a lot of potential for the company, saying “With its very high speeds and low latency it could enable completely new ways of working in terms of the technological tools we can implement across our fleet – to benefit our business operations, our crews’ welfare, as well as the compliance needs of our fleet. We pride ourselves on routinely testing new tools and advanced solutions that may give our company an edge, and of course which can contribute positively to the well-being and safety of our seafarers onboard.”

The Starlink service will be added as part of a hybrid connectivity setup onboard, alongside the existing legacy geostationary satellite platforms used by the ships. Costamare’s partnership with Navarino will ensure the successful design, implementation, and support of the innovative project.

“We have worked with Navarino on several advanced projects over the years, and we know that they can be trusted to design, implement and support innovative projects such as these with us. This is why we are excited to be taking the next step in our fleets’ technological development together with them,” said Sardis.

The Starlink trial is a significant step towards the maritime industry’s technological development. With greater access to data and online services, vessels can operate more efficiently and safely.

Just this week, SpaceX announced Starlink is now available in over 50 countries globally.

Earlier this week, it was reported Columbia Shipmanagement started trialling Starlink on some of its vessels as well.