The maritime industry has undergone a significant transformation in response to global supply chain disruptions, with digitalisation and satellite connectivity playing a pivotal role. Daria Boiko, Director – Distribution Channel at IEC Telecom Group, highlights how the adoption of high-speed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks and advanced network management systems have redefined operational efficiency and crew welfare at sea.
In this exclusive interaction with The Catalyst, she shares insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the challenges of integrating satellite solutions, and the collaborative efforts driving innovation and sustainability in maritime telecommunications.
How has the maritime industry adapted to the disruptions in global supply chains, particularly in the wake of global events like the pandemic?
The maritime industry has responded to global disruptions veering towards digitalisation, automation, and operational agility. The pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of remote technologies, paving the way for high-speed satellite-enabled solutions that support remote training, diagnostics, and even telemedicine.
This digital shift has created a new operational standard where real-time connectivity is no longer optional, but essential. The rise of LEO further accelerated this trend, raising the bar for expectations. As of 2024, over 75,000 vessels globally were connected to Starlink alone, signalling a major industry-wide transformation. The high-speed networks of the new generation paved the way to a wide range of applications on board, improving operational efficiency and enhancing crew welfare. That said, the availability of LEO service, like Starlink, is subject to licensing by each seafarer nation. As such vessels typically operate in a hybrid connectivity environment switching between GEO & LEO based on availability.
To ensure consistent service, network management is now critical. It includes a range of control levers, an advanced reporting dashboard, a crew voucher system, cybersecurity tools and more. Advanced network management systems enable credit rollover between vessels, allowing for more efficient bandwidth distribution and cost control. Some, like those by IEC Telecom, allow for more comprehensive crew welfare programmes. With vouchers no longer tied to a single vessel or offshore site, vessel operators can maximise performance over each Mbps, while preserving the cost-effectiveness of their CSR programmes.
Optimised applications serve as yet another tool in modern network management strategies. As vessels transition to digital operations, it is essential to maintain operational continuity for mission-critical tasks, such as email correspondence, video calls, and remote surveillance. With purposefully optimised applications, all these functionalities can operate even over a low bandwidth L-band back-up channel.
These advancements reflect a strategic shift toward more agile and centralised fleet management.
With the growing threat of cyberattacks, how is the maritime industry adapting its cybersecurity measures to safeguard vessels, ports, and related infrastructures?
Cybersecurity starts with network management. Regulatory mandates such as International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s MSC.428(98) mandate that shipowners and operators must incorporate cyber risk management into their existing International Safety Management (ISM) Code. This has catalysed action, with many operators now prioritising secure-by-design network frameworks that can dynamically adapt to vessel type, network environment, and threat landscape.
By segregating the crew and corporate networks, vessel operators can eliminate a wide range of threats resulting from cross-contamination. Network management platforms, such as OptiView by IEC Telecom, are geared to this task. Not only does it allow multiple operational environments on board, but it also gives access to a comprehensive analytical dashboard offering real-time visibility over key performance metrics for each network.
These insights enable IT teams to identify bottlenecks and fine-tune remote configurations for optimal performance. An optional cybersecurity layer provides real-time vulnerability monitoring, dynamic filtration controls, and detailed reporting, enabling IT teams to detect threats, enforce policies, and maintain full oversight of onboard digital activity. A trained cyber team, either on board or remote, is essential to analyse, adapt, and lead the response to sophisticated, targeted attacks.
Notably, cyber risks were identified as the top global business risk in 2023 by 34% of respondents, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. As maritime connectivity becomes more advanced, so too does the complexity of the threat landscape—driving the industry toward dynamic, scalable cybersecurity models that reflect the operational realities at sea.
How is the integration of satellite connectivity enhancing maritime operations, and what are its effects on operational efficiency and safety for vessels navigating at sea?
Satellite connectivity, particularly through the growing use of high-speed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks, is significantly enhancing maritime operations by supporting digitalisation and automation on board vessels. This shift has been accelerated by the pandemic, which increased the need for remote operations to reduce human dependency and improve supply chain visibility. As a result, remote training, maintenance, and telemedicine are now viable options even while at sea.
Operational procedures are evolving to adapt to this new connected environment. LEO satellites provide speeds on par with LTE, enabling advanced digital services on vessels. However, because access to LEO connectivity depends on licensing within each coastal state, vessels often transition to traditional GEO networks when entering territorial waters. The latter generally offer lower throughput, requiring systems and applications that can operate effectively even in a low bandwidth environment.
In terms of safety, the move toward digital operations brings increased exposure to cyber risks, prompting stricter compliance with international cybersecurity mandates. Effective network management has become essential not only for safeguarding systems but also for efficiently allocating resources across fleets. Improvements in bandwidth distribution and flexible access to welfare services for crew members contribute to more resilient and streamlined operations at sea.
What are the primary challenges faced by the maritime industry when adopting and integrating satcom solutions, and how can they be overcome?
A major challenge is the fragmented nature of satellite coverage. Vessels often cannot rely on a single provider due to bandwidth limitations, regulatory restrictions, or geographic availability. This necessitates the use of hybrid architectures that can switch between networks without disrupting operations.
In addition, many vessels operate with limited onboard IT support, making the integration of new technologies more complex. To address this, systems must be designed for easy deployment, with remote monitoring and support capabilities built in. Application optimisation is equally critical, ensuring continuity of digital operations over the back-up channel.
As newer generations of seafarers expect constant connectivity, digital literacy, and welfare considerations are shaping how these technologies are rolled out. IEC Telecom supports this growing demand with a robust hybrid multi-network solution. It features centralised voucher management and dedicated crew portals, offering user-friendly, pay-as-you-go internet access, ensuring seafarers stay connected, informed, and empowered throughout their time at sea.
In an increasingly complex maritime environment, how important are partnerships and collaborations between shipping companies, technology providers, and governments to drive industry innovation?
There is no universal solution that fits all operational needs. Each project comes with its own set of challenges based on vessel type, route, regulatory environment, and operational goals. This makes collaboration between shipping companies, technology providers, and governments essential for developing effective, tailored solutions.
Innovation in the sector depends not just on deploying new technologies, but on aligning those technologies with real-world operational requirements. This often involves joint efforts in proof-of-concept development, system customisation, and the establishment of user protocols. Ongoing collaboration ensures that as maritime operations evolve and new technologies emerge, systems remain adaptable, scalable, and capable of meeting the changing demands of the industry.
How do you see sustainability playing a role in the future of telecommunications and satellite solutions, particularly in industries like maritime, where environmental concerns are critical?
Decarbonisation is one of the key topics in the maritime sector. Efforts are being made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, in line with the IMO’s targets to lower carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and by 70% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. Achieving this requires a combination of alternative fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and digital innovations that optimise operations.
Telecommunications and satellite connectivity play a crucial role in supporting these efforts. Reliable connectivity enables the use of advanced digital tools that facilitate real-time data analysis for route optimisation, predictive maintenance, and improved fuel efficiency. By enhancing communication between ship and shore, satellite solutions contribute to smarter, more sustainable operations, particularly in remote oceanic regions where other communication infrastructure is not available. As the industry advances toward net-zero emissions, the role of digitalisation, supported by satellite technologies, will be instrumental in enabling environmentally responsible decision-making at sea.
The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation fueled by advances in satellite connectivity and network management. High-speed satellite solutions are enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and crew welfare while addressing cybersecurity challenges. Overcoming coverage limitations and evolving threats requires hybrid connectivity and strong collaboration among industry stakeholders. Additionally, telecommunications innovations support sustainability efforts by enabling smarter, data-driven operations that reduce environmental impact, shaping a more connected and resilient future for maritime operations.
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