Hurtigruten Expeditions completes industry-first fleetwide installation of SpaceX’s Starlink
STARLINK TO ANTARCTICA: With SpaceX’ innovative broadband service Starlink, Hurtigruten Expeditions’ guests are given access to high-speed connectivity while exploring. PHOTO: Oscar Farrera/Hurtigruten Expeditions
Hurtigruten Expeditions will be the first cruise line to implement SpaceX’s innovative broadband service Starlink across all ships. In cooperation with long-time connectivity partner Speedcast, the installation will be completed in 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 Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.
Speedcast and Hurtigruten Expeditions began testing and integration of Starlink terminals onboard the fleet of small-size expedition cruise ships in March. Installation will be complete by end of October – making Hurtigruten Expeditions the first cruise line to introduce the high-speed, low-latency connectivity across its entire fleet.
“We’ve seen major players announcing plans for implementation of Starlink connectivity. 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. When Starlink introduces maritime coverage in Antarctica and the Arctic, we will be ready,” said Lassesen.
“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. 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”, said Joe Spytek, Chief Executive Officer at Speedcast.
Speedcast and Hurtigruten Expeditions to introduce Starlink to Antarctic waters
CONNECTED: A Starlink terminal on board Hurtigruten Expeditions' battery-hybrid poweredMS RoaldAmundsen.PHOTO: Oscar Farrera/Hurtigruten Expeditions
Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line, with a growing fleet of smaller, more sustainable expedition cruise ships.
Guests, crew and scientists on all three Hurtigruten Expeditions ships that will explore Antarctica from this fall, will be the first to do so on ships able to connect through the faster broadband service. Starlink is slated to introduce Antarctic maritime coverage in Q4 2022.
Enabling science – supporting crew
TECH FRONTRUNNER: Asta Lassesen, Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO. Photo:RUNE KONGSRO/Hurtigruten Expeditions
The groundbreaking broadband internet solution – using a network of low-orbit satellites – will not only enhance the guest experience.
Through an industry-leading network of science partnerships, Hurtigruten Expeditions hosts scientists on every sailing on every ship. All ships feature signature Science Centers and a variety of science equipment, and all guests are offered to take part in citizen science programs. Faster and more reliable internet further enables delivery of science results from some of the most unexplored areas of the planet.
As one of few major cruise lines, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers free internet connectivity not only for guests, but also for all crew members.
“Introduction of new technology makes it easier for everyone on board to remain connected with friends, family and loved ones no matter where they are. We challenge all cruise lines that follows our example by installing Starlink to also follow our example to make internet free for all crew members”, said Lassesen.
About Hurtigruten Expeditions
With sustainability, science and exploration at core, Hurtigruten Expeditions founded expedition cruising in 1896. Today, Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise line.
Building on 125 years of experience, Hurtigruten Expeditions offers big adventures on small ships, taking guests to over 250 spectacular destinations in more than 30 countries worldwide. Hurtigruten Expeditions operates a fleet of small, custom-build expedition cruise ships, including the world’s first battery-hybrid powered cruise ships.
Hurtigruten Expeditions is part of Hurtigruten Group, the world leader in exploration travel, which also operates Norwegian Coastal Express, known as ‘the most beautiful voyage in the world’ and extensive land-based activities – including hotels, restaurants and more – through Hurtigruten Destinations.
About Speedcast
Speedcast is a leading communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications services to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. The company leverages its global network platform to provide fully connected systems that harness technologies and applications to transform what remote operations can achieve. With the world’s most comprehensive network, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com.
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