By
Alex Smith |
Hurtigruten Expeditions is implementing SpaceX’s Starlink low earth orbit (LEO) broadband connectivity service in partnership with communications and IT services provider Speedcast.
The expedition cruise line and Speedcast began initial testing and integration of Starlink’s LEO service onboard the fleet in March. They will finish roll out of the service by the end of October.
“As the world leader in exploration travel, it’s only fitting that we bring the world’s most innovative technologies onboard our ships to further enhance the experience and day-to-day lives for our guests, crew, partners and the communities we visit,” said Asta Lassesen, CEO of Hurtigruten Expeditions.
Speedcast announced an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to offer the broadband service to enterprise and maritime customers in early October. Starlink’s broadband connectivity is being integrated via Speedcast’s network management technologies, blending LEO coverage with multiple transmission paths delivered to the fleet as part of a complete managed service. This includes geostationary orbit coverage, and 4G/5G for Hurtigruten Expeditions’ high-demand expeditions.
“With vessels operating in some of the most remote and spectacular areas of the world, Hurtigruten Expeditions is an ideal partner for introducing groundbreaking technology in the cruise industry,” said Joe Spytek, CEO at Speedcast. “Speedcast’s expertise lies in our ability to combine all available connectivity paths and manage a complete service that offers the highest levels of uptime, availability, and performance.”
Three of Hurtigruten Expeditions’ vessels will operate in Antarctica this season, which will be the first time that Starlink has been used in Antarctic waters. The new LEO service is scheduled to add Antarctic maritime cover in the fourth quarter of 2022.
“Our partnership with Speedcast and fleetwide introduction of the new service not only puts us ahead of the rest of the cruise industry, it also puts us ahead of the technology,” said Lassesen. “When Starlink introduces maritime coverage in Antarctica and the Arctic, we will be ready.”