Experts highlight that satellite internet on ships fails to resolve connectivity issues, as demand for reliable service continues to rise.
The widespread adoption of satellite internet services on ships has strengthened the perception in the maritime sector that the 'connectivity problem has been solved.' However, experts suggest that the reality is different. Paul Morgan, President of GTMaritime Engineering, stated that the increasing bandwidth does not eliminate the need for optimization and security systems specifically developed for maritime use; rather, it has made them even more important.
As bandwidth increases, demand also grows.
According to Morgan, in recent years, ships have been equipped with more software, reporting obligations, security tools, and data-consuming applications. At the same time, the digital expectations of the crew have also risen. Therefore, the demand for high-speed connectivity is increasing rather than decreasing.
While systems like Starlink may give the impression that ships have connectivity similar to that of onshore offices, experts emphasize that this is misleading. Morgan noted, 'Bandwidth and reliability are often confused. However, at sea, connectivity does not drop out completely; it weakens, disconnects, switches between connections, and is affected by weather conditions and route circumstances.'
The issue is continuity, not speed.
In maritime operations, the main concern is not speed but service continuity. Due to geopolitical restrictions, national regulations, and weather conditions, uninterrupted communication cannot be guaranteed even in areas with strong connectivity.
As a result, the role of optimization has changed. Previously used data compression methods aimed at cost reduction are no longer sufficient on their own. Nowadays, systems are expected to:
- Continue data transmission even if the connection changes,
- Ensure that the correct data reaches its destination completely,
- Prevent disruptions in operations.
Operational risks and cyber threats.
Experts indicate that connectivity interruptions do not only disrupt communication. The inability to perform map updates, load software patches, and the halting of email systems increase operational risks. The crew's reliance on temporary solutions can also pave the way for cybersecurity breaches.
Morgan also draws attention to the 'invisible labor cost' in maritime operations. The need to resend failed data transfers and the continuous monitoring of connectivity by ship and shore teams lead to time loss and fatigue. It has been noted that some fleets have reverted to physical methods, such as sending USB drives via courier to ships, due to their reliability.
Priority on security and reliability.
Purchasing preferences in the sector are also changing. While cost remains important, operators now want to understand how systems behave in offline situations, during connection changes, and under heavy traffic. Additionally, technical support services that are familiar with maritime conditions have become an important criterion.
According to Morgan, the solutions that will stand out in the future will be systems that treat connectivity as a public utility.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
