03 August 2023 – GTMaritime, leading experts in secure maritime data communications solutions, has released a new whitepaper that assesses the impact Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks are having on the maritime industry and key considerations for wider adoption.
Available to download free of charge, Opportunities and Challenges: Introducing New LEO Networks to the Maritime Industry, offers an insightful overview of commercial shipping’s first movers in LEO network service use. It outlines the potential for positive impact of LEO network bandwidth on vessel operations and describes a “quantum leap for crew connectivity possibilities”.
However, the thoughtful paper also explores the challenges of integrating LEO network services that do not offer global coverage into shipping’s existing global connectivity infrastructure. In a tightly regulated industry, it also gives due consideration to the fact that existing networks support mandatory GMDSS connectivity.
Richard White, Global Commercial Director at GTMaritime, said: “The introduction of LEO networks is a massive step forward for maritime communications and connectivity. The expectations are understandably high, as is the interest around how the addition of these constellations could transform maritime communications for the better. However, it’s important to recognise that LEO networks on their own would struggle to sustain the communication demands of modern shipping and that a more realistic approach focusing on integration with current infrastructure and solutions is required.”
Key sections of the new whitepaper consider the connectivity and cyber security imperatives, if LEO networks are to be integrated with existing solutions, highlighting how vessels must have systems in place to prevent disruption when switching between satellites or providers. The paper concludes with specific questions that need answering when considering the use of LEO networks and offers guidance on issues including the risks of bandwidth reduction and the benefits of data compression.
“Our new whitepaper offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by owners and operators as they assess whether and how to use LEO networks as part of their ship-to-shore connectivity. To help them in their considerations, it provides straightforward guidance on the critical issues affecting ship operations, crew connectivity and systems interoperability,” added Richard.
Download a copy of the new GTMaritime whitepaper here: https://www.gtmaritime.com/leo-networks/
About GTMaritime
GTMaritime
Wherever you are, we are.Â
- Over 20 years maritime communications experience
- 14,500+ vessels & 500+ businesses worldwide trust GTMaritime with their file, email and cyber security solutions.
- Proven 100% service record with no unscheduled downtime
- 100% malware blocking with over 86,000 zero day malware attacks stopped in the last 12 months
- Securely delivering over 1 million messages a day, 24-7-365 technical support from ITIL trained engineers
- Offices in the UK, Greece and Singapore along with a global partner network
- Continuous software development ensures rapid deployment of new functionality, as well providing software updates for vulnerabilities
Since 1998 GTMaritime has been providing a range of technology solutions and services to the maritime industry that serve to enable effective communications over satellite.
We specialise in providing solutions and services that help ensure vessel compliance and business operability 365 days a year, as well as keeping crew in touch with friends and family whilst at sea. All of this is backed up by a market leading infrastructure and unrivalled 24-hour customer support, every day of the year.
Our development team deliver continuous development and enhancement features to ensure our products stay ahead of the ever-growing cyber threats, with silent system enhancements deployed on a weekly basis.
We provide these services from three offices – our head office in the UK, Greece and Singapore – and increasingly through an established and growing network of resellers and partners around the world.
