NYK pilots Starlink satellite connectivity

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has carried out trials of SpaceX’s satellite service, Starlink, on one of its ships.

Elon Musk’s company rolled out its satellite connectivity service to the maritime sector after receiving authorisation from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in July 2022.

Traditional ship-shore communication relies on high orbit satellites, leading to slower speeds than on land.

Starlink, on the other hand, uses low-orbit satellites, which provide faster and more affordable communication.

NYK is aiming to create innovative solutions that promote faster ship-shore communication while safeguarding against cyber risks.

READ: NYK introduces Integrated Shipping System for digital transformation

This technology is not only a game-changer for seafarers, but it also has practical applications for ship operations.

Videoconferencing, for example, allows for real-time support in case of equipment failure or emergency medical treatment, and enables the sharing of weather information between ships and shore.

NYK believes this technology will also play a big role in the development of autonomous navigation technology.

Last year, JAX LNG completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering of NYK Line’s Sakura Leader for the ship’s inaugural call to Jacksonville.

Sakura Leader offloaded cargo at the Jacksonville Port Authority’s (JAXPORT) Talleyrand Marine Terminal where JAX LNG completed its bunkering.