Ship-to-shore communication is the exchange of voice and data between a vessel and its shore-based management, port authorities and service providers. On merchant vessels it now covers far more than voice: performance and noon reporting, chart and software updates, planned maintenance data, remote survey, cargo documentation and crew communication all travel over the same managed satellite link.

Most merchant fleets run a hybrid setup: a high-throughput LEO or VSAT service for operational and welfare traffic, with L-band as guaranteed backup and LTE in port. Add network management, cybersecurity and a crew welfare platform, and the vessel has a complete communications environment.

Hybrid connectivity runs several networks under one managed router with automatic failover. If the primary link degrades, traffic moves to the next available path without manual intervention, and critical applications keep priority — so operations continue even when one network is unavailable.

Yes. Operational and welfare traffic are separated at network level, with bandwidth and policy controls applied to each. Crew receive their own allowances through the voucher system, and business-critical applications retain guaranteed priority regardless of onboard usage.

IMO requires cyber risk to be addressed within the safety management system, and IACS Unified Requirements E26 and E27 set cyber resilience requirements for ships contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2024. Practically, fleets need network segmentation, controlled remote access, monitoring and evidence of policy enforcement.

No. Satellite internet is the raw link. Managed fleet connectivity adds the layer that commercial operators need: multi-network failover, traffic prioritisation, cybersecurity, usage policy, crew allowances, central reporting and 24/7 support. A vessel can have fast internet and still have no control over how it is used or protected.

Installation is scheduled around your trading pattern through our regional offices and global partner network, covering shipment, installation, commissioning, testing and handover. Technical support runs 24/7, 365 days a year, online and by phone.