Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has announced its decision to install Starlink satellite communication service on 233 ocean-going vessels managed by MOL Group ship management companies.
The group plans to have about 140 vessels equipped with the system by the end of fiscal year 2023.
Starlink is a satellite communication service that uses multiple small satellites deployed in low orbit to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
MOL has conducted trials on several MOL-operated vessels. The trials confirmed a dramatic improvement in the communication environment, with up to a 50-fold increase in communication speed, enabling seafarers to make video calls with family members and watch videos, which were difficult in the past.
As a result, MOL has decided to proceed with a full-scale introduction of the system on its managed ocean-going vessels.
According to MOL, the shortage of seafarers in the shipping industry is becoming more serious, and as of January 2023, there will be a 10 per cent shortage of seafarers compared to the number needed around the world.
Because the general onboard communication environment causes time-lag and capacity limitations for private communication with family and friends, MOL stated that improvement of the onboard communication environment is a critical issue.
In light of this situation, MOL, along with Marlink AS, have prepared a white paper outlining the challenges of the current onboard communication environment which has received many favourable comments and reactions from those who viewed the report, MOL reported.
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MOL plans to further promote the digital transformation (DX) of maritime operations by improving operational efficiency through real-time information sharing between vessels and land, and by providing full support from shore in the event of trouble onboard a vessel.
