Sea Freight

MOL Next Major Name to Join Starlink Network

Hot on the heels on Maersk and others, Japanese liner joins futuristic network

TLME News Service

MOL President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto has announced a decision to install SpaceX's Starlink satellite communication service on 233 its ocean-going vessels.

The news comes shortly after Maersk Line announced that it would be adopting Elon Musk's Starlink.

MOL plans to have about 140 vessels equipped with the system by the end of 2023.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite communications service created by Elon Musk's space travel firm SpaceX. It uses multiple small satellites deployed in low orbit to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

MOL has confirmed that it has conducted trials on several MOL-operated vessels already, meaning the technology is ready to be rolled-out.

The liner said that the "...trials confirmed a dramatic improvement in the communication environment, with up to a 50-fold increase in communication speed, enabling seafarers to make video calls with family members and watch videos, which were difficult in the past."

Considering the positive impact on seafarers' wellbeing, MOL has decided to proceed with a full-scale introduction of the system on its managed ocean-going vessels.

Read more: Inditex Partners with Maersk to Reduce its Maritime Transport Emissions