Sometime last year, globally-renowned shipping and logistics company Maersk announced that they were going to provide quality internet access to all its seafarers. The company was looking to equip 330 of its container vessels with high-speed internet, with speeds reaching over 200 Mbps.
Now, modern shipping vessels without internet connectivity might be hard to imagine, but it’s not so unnatural, especially for cargo vessels. After all, these cargo ships are far away from mobile internet range and have to rely on satellite connectivity to use the internet.
However, even satellite internet is a luxury for many cargo vessels at times.
You’ll be surprised to know that an alarming number of the global merchant fleet still has no internet access. A study shows that 13 percent of the global merchant fleet does not have any internet access.
This, however, is changing, and maritime cargo vessels are now being equipped with satellite internet that offers global coverage in most cases. Two satellite internet providers – OneWeb and Starlink – are leading the charge in this regard.
However, as far as maritime cargo shipping goes, it seems that the former is more preferred by businesses compared to the latter. We’ll tell you why later in this article.
Starlink vs. OneWeb
Starlink and OneWeb are two major players in the satellite broadband race. Offering services via low earth orbit (LEO) connectivity, both companies aim to revolutionize internet access from space.
Starlink, created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has gained attention for its vast constellation of satellites offering fast, reliable internet to remote areas. Starlink satellites now serve over three million users in 60 countries. With a massive mega constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth, Starlink internet is reliable, fast, and accessible to people no matter where they are.
OneWeb, founded in 2012 in the UK, may not have Starlink’s media hype but has made significant strides in recent times. Focused on enhancing global connectivity, OneWeb satellites have had a profound impact, especially on maritime travel.
Compared to the Starlink network, OneWeb doesn’t offer extensive satellite access, mostly due to having fewer satellites than Starlink. Yet, the services it offers through its existing constellation are good enough for OneWeb to be preferred over Starlink for maritime cargo shipping.
OneWeb Over Starlink for Maritime Cargo Shipping: Why?
Both Starlink and OneWeb have made significant strides in providing high-speed, low-latency internet access at sea, marking a major leap forward in maritime connectivity. However, their core markets and business models set them apart, influencing their performance and reliability.
Starlink targets mass consumers; so it’s structured differently from OneWeb, which primarily focuses on servicing businesses. This distinction plays a key role in their service reliability and functionality, especially in demanding environments like the oceans, where OneWeb takes the win.
Service Disruptions and Reliability
Starlink, with its consumer-first approach, has experienced challenges during large-scale events, particularly when many terminals are concentrated in a single area. This can lead to service disruptions, which may be problematic for vessels relying solely on this service.
Starlink also does not offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for bandwidth. Hence, if you’re a Starlink user, you must have a backup connectivity solution to avoid potential downtime.
In contrast, OneWeb’s infrastructure is designed to manage congestion and reduce packet loss, ensuring a more stable and reliable connection. Its system is built to maintain service even in high-demand scenarios, making it an attractive option for those requiring uninterrupted connectivity.
Hybrid Connectivity and Network Management
OneWeb’s hybrid connectivity approach, integrated with platforms like Speedcast’s SIGMA, enhances network management and data-gathering capabilities. This hybrid solution allows for seamless communication and information transfer, making it a more robust choice for Arctic missions where reliability is paramount.
Starlink, in contrast, relies solely on its own satellite constellation, which may be less adaptable in such specialized use cases like maritime cargo vessels.
Real-Time Support
Another crucial difference you’ll notice between the two satellite-based internet providers is in their customer support systems.
If you have a OneWeb satellite connection, rest assured, you’ll get 24/7 phone support. This, in turn, will allow your vessel’s maritime seafarers to access real-time assistance whenever needed.
Starlink, however, will offer your seafarers only email-based support. Hence, if your ship’s crew needs customer support, they’ll have to email Starlink, hoping that someone there, or Elon Musk himself, replies.
Email-based customer support systems delay response times and limit real-time problem resolution. For those in critical environments, like the open oceans, the lack of instant communication may be a significant drawback.
Which Service to Choose?
While both Starlink and OneWeb offer powerful connectivity solutions, their service structures, coverage areas, and support options cater to different needs. OneWeb’s reliable coverage, robust network management, and real-time support make it a better option during maritime operations. OneWeb’s specialized service stands out for its adaptability and dependability.
