Starlink Maritime

How Starlink Maritime works

Starlink satellites orbit in low Earth orbit, below about 2,000 km, far closer to Earth than geostationary satellites at about 35,786 km. The shorter signal path is why Starlink connections usually have lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite links, although latency at sea and in remote areas can be higher than on land.

On board, a Starlink terminal with an electronically steered phased-array antenna connects to the satellites passing overhead and feeds the yacht’s network, usually through Ethernet into the existing router.

Starlink and VSAT

Starlink connects to a LEO constellation; see VSAT system for how VSAT services work. The two are not mutually exclusive: with a suitable router, Starlink can be used alongside VSAT, cellular or other services, and how traffic is shared or switched between them depends on the network design.

Starlink and the GMDSS

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) integrates satellite and terrestrial radiocommunications for distress and safety. Its satellite services must be recognised by the International Maritime Organization: Inmarsat and Iridium provide recognised GMDSS services, and a regional recognition was adopted for the BeiDou Message Service System in 2022. Starlink is offered as an internet service rather than as a recognised GMDSS service, so a yacht that must carry GMDSS equipment still needs it, whatever internet service is fitted.

Plans and coverage at sea

Using Starlink at sea depends on the subscription’s coverage for maritime use and on the yacht’s operating area. Plan names, coverage and conditions change, and a subscription’s maritime coverage does not by itself settle whether use is permitted in a particular country’s waters. Check Starlink’s current service terms and availability information, and any local rules, for the yacht’s intended operating area.

Installation and refit considerations

A good installation starts with the antenna position: the terminal needs a clear view of the sky, so masts, radomes, cranes and superstructure that cause obstructions matter. Cable routes, power supply, mounting and access for future service are best planned before the work starts, often as part of a retrofit within a wider yard period. Network integration with the yacht’s router, separation between networks and commissioning tests complete the job.

Cybersecurity and cyber risk

Satellite internet connects the yacht to the outside world, so it belongs in the yacht’s cyber risk assessment. IMO guidance on maritime cyber risk management covers onboard information and operational technology and identifies missing network segregation and unauthorised access as risks. In practice, guest networks should be separated from operational and bridge networks, and remote access should be authorised and controlled. See cybersecurity on yachts.

FAQ

What latency does Starlink Maritime have?

Because the satellites orbit far closer than geostationary satellites, Starlink latency is usually lower than on traditional geostationary links. At sea and far from ground infrastructure it can be higher than on land; Starlink publishes current figures in its specifications.

Can I keep VSAT if I install Starlink on my yacht?

Yes. Starlink can run alongside VSAT or other connections. A suitable router decides which link carries which traffic and can switch over if one link drops, depending on how the network is designed.

Is Starlink Maritime a cybersecurity risk on a yacht?

Any internet connection adds cyber risk. Include it in the yacht’s cyber risk assessment, separate guest networks from operational and bridge networks, and control remote access.