Shipping giant Maersk to add SpaceX's Starlink internet

Danish logistics leader Maersk has partnered with Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring Starlink internet service to over 330 of its container ships, with the companies jointly announcing the collaboration on Thursday. The integration of Starlink is expected to be completed by the first quarter of the following year, delivering impressive internet speeds exceeding 200 Megabits per second via SpaceX's satellite network.

Maersk's Head of Fleet Management and Technology, Leonardo Sonzio, expressed the significance of this partnership, stating, ""The high-speed connectivity will enable our seafaring colleagues to remain connected with their loved ones while at sea. It will also catalyze the expansion of seamless cloud solutions, fulfilling our vision to digitize vessel operations.""

Starlink, the ambitious global communications network developed by SpaceX, has already deployed over 5,000 satellites and continues to expand. Initially targeting consumers, the service now boasts upwards of two million subscribers and has made inroads into various sectors, including national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation, causing disruption in traditional satellite communications.

Maersk's decision to integrate SpaceX's Starlink followed a successful pilot phase involving more than 30 of their ships. During this phase, crew members provided ""very positive feedback"" regarding the service, cementing the choice to implement Starlink across their extensive fleet.

The installation of the Starlink internet service on Maersk's container ships marks a substantial step towards modernizing maritime connectivity, offering seafarers faster and more reliable internet access during their voyages.