Internet on ships is a growing field that enables communication and access to information for people aboard vessels, whether for business, leisure, or emergency purposes. The technology used for Internet on ships is quite different from the typical land-based services because of the challenges posed by the maritime environment. Here’s everything you need to know about Internet on ships
But Why is the need of Internet onboard Ships? Yes, because of real-time connectivity and seafarers onboard can be in touch with their families around the globe. So now the question is How sailors used to communicate before Internet age?
Before the advent of modern communication technologies like satellite internet and email, sailors had to rely on more traditional and slower methods to communicate with their families while at sea.
In the days before radio communication and telegraphs, letters were the primary means of communication between sailors and their families. Ships would carry mail for months at a time, depending on their route and the length of the voyage. Sailors would write letters to their families, which would be sent to the nearest port when the ship docked.
Or When ships arrived at port, sailors were often able to go ashore during their shore leave (time off from work). This gave them a chance to go to a telegraph office or a post office to send a letter, make a phone call, or use any available communication technology. While sailors were typically unable to communicate frequently with their families, these port calls provided valuable opportunities to send personal messages home.
How Internet Works onboard Modern Ships
Internet on ships relies on satellite communication systems, which allow vessels to connect to the Internet via satellites orbiting the Earth. There are several key technologies involved:
- VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal): This is one of the most common methods for providing Internet on ships. It uses satellite dishes to communicate with geostationary satellites and delivers broadband to the ship. VSAT offers high-speed Internet, but the quality can vary depending on the location, weather conditions, and the size of the satellite dish.
- LTE/5G (Long-Term Evolution/5G): In some coastal or port areas, ships can use cellular networks like LTE or 5G for internet connectivity. This is more common for vessels that are close to land. However, it’s limited to specific regions and doesn’t provide coverage when a ship is out at sea.
- Iridium and Inmarsat: These satellite services provide communication in remote areas where other methods (like VSAT) might not work. They are typically used for basic communication needs (such as emails or voice calls) rather than high-speed internet, due to lower bandwidth.
- LORAN and other Radio Systems: Some older communication methods use low-frequency radio waves to transmit signals, though these are not typically used for modern internet access.
Types of Internet Service
There are several levels of service depending on the ship’s size, purpose, and the equipment it has onboard:
- Crew Internet Access: For the crew, Internet is essential for maintaining communication with their families and the shore-based management team. Usually, this service is offered through satellite communication systems. The speed of access can be slower, but it allows access to emails and some browsing.
- Passenger Internet Access: For cruise ships and ferries, the internet service is provided to passengers who might want to stay connected during their journey. Passengers generally have to pay extra for access, and there are options ranging from basic plans to high-speed packages.
- Mission-Critical Communication: For vessels that rely on communication for safety and operations (like cargo ships or research vessels), the internet is used for operational data, weather updates, navigational systems, and communication with shore-based operations.
3. Challenges
The technology enabling internet on ships faces a range of challenges:
- Latency: Satellite communications often have high latency, especially when the ship is far from land, leading to delays in data transfer. This can affect services like video calls, live streaming, or real-time communication.
- Bandwidth Limitations: Even with VSAT, bandwidth is limited and often expensive. This can lead to slow speeds, especially when multiple users are connected at once.
- Weather Conditions: Bad weather, such as heavy rain, storms, or high winds, can disrupt satellite signals and cause service interruptions.
- Cost: Internet access on ships is generally more expensive than on land due to the high costs associated with satellite technology and maritime communication.
- Security: Ships, especially commercial ones, need to ensure secure communication channels for safety, operations, and passenger data. Cybersecurity is a key issue, with vulnerabilities related to outdated systems, and the limited ability to implement effective security measures at sea.
Cost of Internet on Ships
The cost can vary significantly depending on the type of ship, the technology used, and the services offered. On cruise ships, passengers often pay per minute or per megabyte, with packages that may cost anywhere from a few dollars to over $30 per day, depending on the level of service (basic, premium, or high-speed).
For the crew, internet access is typically free or offered at a low rate, but there may still be restrictions on how much data can be used.
- Passenger plans: $10–$50 per day
- Crew plans: Free or $50–$100 per month
- High-speed bandwidth: $10,000+ per month for large vessels
Popular Maritime Internet Providers
Some of the most well-known providers of satellite-based Internet for ships include:
- Inmarsat: Known for providing satellite communication services globally, offering broadband internet as well as voice communication.
- VSAT Providers: Companies like KVH, Speedcast, and Globecomm offer VSAT services, specifically designed for maritime use.
- Iridium: Used for satellite phone service and basic data communications, including emergency and safety applications.
- Starlink: SpaceX’s Starlink service is a new entrant in the satellite internet space, promising faster speeds with low latency, and it may be used by ships in the future.
With Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications service now available for use by vessels at sea, dozens of merchant ship operators have installed the system to explore the potential benefits for their own operations. Is it is Revolutionizing the way Ships used to access Internet in Middle of the ocean? Let’s find out
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is revolutionizing maritime connectivity by addressing many of the limitations of traditional satellite systems. It provides faster, more reliable internet access to ships in the middle of the ocean, enabling better communication, enhanced operations, and improved quality of life for crew and passengers.
How Starlink Surpasses Traditional Maritime Systems like VSAT etc
| Feature | Traditional Satellite Systems | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite Orbit | Geostationary (~36,000 km) | LEO (~550-1,200 km) |
| Latency | 500–700 ms | 20–50 ms |
| Speed | 5–50 Mbps | 50–250+ Mbps |
| Coverage | Limited in some areas | Near-global |
| Cost | High | Comparatively lower |
Also Read, Starlink is Revolutionizing the way Ships access Internet in Middle of the ocean
Why Internet on Ships is Slow
High Latency Geostationary satellites are located around 36,000 km (22,000 miles) above Earth. Data signals must travel this distance twice (ship-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground station), leading to delays of 500–700 milliseconds for each request.
Limited Bandwidth: The available bandwidth for satellite internet is shared among many users (crew, passengers, cargo systems, etc.) on the ship. This makes individual connections slow, especially during peak usage.
Data Prioritization is being implemented in Critical ship operations (navigation, weather updates, emergency communications) are prioritized over recreational internet use. Crew and passenger internet is often limited or throttled to ensure operational systems function smoothly.
In conclusion, while internet on ships has advanced significantly in recent years, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as cost, speed, and reliability. However, the future of maritime communication looks promising with new technologies like LEO satellites and 5G, which will likely make shipboard internet faster, more reliable, and more affordable.