With over 6,000 islands and islets, Greece is not only a stunning holiday destination but also a vital maritime hub. The Port of Piraeus, near Athens, stands as one of the world’s busiest ports, serving as the gateway for ships traveling to the Atlantic, Indian Oceans, and the Black Sea. In this transient region, both travelers and ship operators require uninterrupted connectivity across islands and through busy ports. If terrestrial options are limited to land, what alternatives exist for ensuring seamless communication at sea?

Starlink: High Speed at Low Cost

Starlink is revolutionizing connectivity for Greece’s remote islands. Its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites deliver high-speed, low-latency internet, making it an ideal solution for smaller and isolated locations. With options like Starlink Enterprise, Flat High Performance and Mini, installation is straightforward and costs are competitive. Users can expect download speeds between 25 to 220 Mbps, with latency under 99 milliseconds. While residential users may face service variability, enterprise solutions enjoy an enhanced reliability with a 99.9% service level agreement (SLA). However, regulatory hurdles in neighboring Turkey and North African countries mean that mariners need to consider other options for extended voyages.

Eutelsat OneWeb: Tailored for Maritime Needs

Eutelsat OneWeb offers high-bandwidth, low-latency internet solutions specifically designed for the maritime sector, including commercial vessels, cruises, and ferries. As a Global Distributor for OneWeb, Speedcast has been deploying these services on maritime vessels, achieving average speeds of 50 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up. OneWeb’s robust maritime-grade antennas, such as the Intellian dual parabolic and Compact Flat Panel or Kymeta Peregrine U8, are built to withstand extreme weather conditions. Their committed information rate (CIR) ensures that operators can rely on real-time data to effectively manage their fleets from shore.

Iridium Certus: Safety First

Iridium’s L-band LEO constellation offers an unmatched alternative for maritime safety. Its Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is the most advanced in the industry, ensuring that aid can be dispatched globally in case of emergencies. With coverage extending to the Arctic and Antarctic waters, Iridium guarantees connectivity for Greek vessels venturing beyond local waters. Its cost-effective solutions make it a viable choice for ship operators prioritizing safety.

Speedcast Ku-band VSAT: Continuous Connectivity

Speedcast’s Ku-band VSAT combines various satellite connectivity resources into a unified network experience. This service is tailored to meet the communication needs of offshore and maritime operations while remaining budget-conscious. With a guaranteed CIR, users can expect reliable bandwidth for voice services and critical data transfers.

To enhance the user experience for passengers and crew, utilizing the enterprise-grade Wi-Fi hotspot solution integrated within the SIGMA Intelligent Edge Platform is essential. As a fully managed solution, it not only provides seamless internet access but also offers a self-service portal, enabling users to control their connectivity options. With features like customizable internet plans, data quotas, and multiple login methods, SIGMA empowers operators to manage guest connectivity efficiently while relieving them of administrative burdens. By leveraging the latest advancements in visibility, control, and security, the SIGMA platform ensures reliable connectivity across vessels and ports, significantly improving daily operations and enhancing overall guest satisfaction.

Sailing into the Future

For cargo ships transporting the finest Greek produce and passenger vessels navigating the Mediterranean, seamless connectivity is critical for operational efficiency and safety. With over one-third of Speedcast’s customers leveraging multi-path solutions to enhance their connectivity, the SIGMA intelligent edge platform plays a pivotal role. In addition to Wi-Fi management, it enables the integration of various connection types—including LEO, GEO, MEO VSAT, L-band, and 4G/LTE—into a secure and reliable service. By optimizing network performance and improving the user experience, ship operators can safeguard their goods and passengers, reinforcing Greece as a central maritime hub.

Contact our experts today to customize a maritime connectivity solution that meets your needs.