Page 155 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023

STARLINK: ELON MUSK’S SATELLITE CONSTELLATION SYSTEM,

A VEHICLE FOR THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY’S DIGITALISATION

A WIND OF CHANGE IN INTERNET

CONNECTIVITY

is the lack of quality, uninterrupted internet access. shipping companies that have “embraced” Starlink.
In a related survey by Isalos.net in which first-year students Andreas Panagiotaras, IT Manager for Enesel S.A., said, “We
from the Merchant Marine Academies of Greece partici- are always interested in exploring ways to keep our modern
pated, it became evident that the internet plays a leading fleet at the forefront of technological innovations, so trying
role in the lives of aspiring seafarers. More specifically, 53% Starlink is a natural step for us”.
said they use the internet between three and five hours Themis Sardis, Head of IT for Costamare, said the company
a day, while 16% answered that they use it for at least six was excited to explore the potential of Starlink, which could
hours a day. In addition, nearly three out of four participants “enable completely new ways of working in terms of the
(74%) responded that internet access on board is “very” or technological tools we can implement across our fleet”.
“extremely” important. “For many of our guests, it is becoming increasingly import-
ant to maintain the kind of connectivity at sea they have
Companies that have already embraced Starlink become accustomed to at home and to share their cruise
Japanese Mitsui O.S.K. Lines was among the first companies experiences with friends and family,” Carnival Corp chief
to switch to Starlink. At the end of last year, the company executive Josh Weinstein said.
signed a relevant memorandum of cooperation with Starlink The above statements reflect Starlink’s strengths as a ser-
for a trial use of the system. Tototheo Maritime followed vice seeking to increase its share in the maritime industry.
suit, concluding a similar agreement with Starlink at the end The benefits it can offer include providing fast, high-quality
of 2022. In 2023, Columbia Ship Management, Costamare, connectivity, facilitating the digital transition, and enhanc-
Enesel, NYK, and even Carnival joined the list of well-known ing crew and passenger satisfaction and entertainment.

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