How does a vessel manage to maintain a fast and stable connection even far from the shore?
Published on October 6, 2025 | Category: Marine Technology
Just a few years ago, having internet hundreds of nautical miles from the coast was a difficult challenge to overcome. Today, vessels navigate the oceans with connectivity that often rivals that of many corporate offices on land.
But how is this possible? The answer lies in the technology that has transformed offshore operations: adaptive multiconnectivity.
The challenge that seemed insurmountable
Imagine managing an offshore platform that processes thousands of barrels per day, or coordinating operations of a fleet of vessels. Every decision depends on real-time data. Every minute of disconnect can represent losses amounting to millions of reais.
Even though Petrobras is already implementing a network with over 1,600 km of fiber optic in the Campos and Santos basins to connect its platforms, this infrastructure only benefits a portion of maritime operations. So, how do we bring connectivity where distance and limited access are the main obstacles?
The scale of the challenge in numbers
10 to 15 nautical miles (16-24 km) - this is the maximum range of traditional cellular towers at sea;
72 km is the maximum range of traditional cellular towers under ideal conditions on flat terrain;
More than 150 platforms operating offshore just off the Brazilian coast, many in ultra-deep waters;
The solution that is changing everything
The answer did not come from a single technology, but from the intelligent combination of multiple solutions. This is where adaptive multiconnectivity comes in - an ecosystem that automatically adapts to the conditions and demands of each moment.
GEO satellites
Geostationary satellites positioned at an altitude of 35,786 km offer almost global coverage and unmatched stability. They are the silent guardians of maritime communications, ensuring connectivity even when other technologies fail.
Advantages:
Fixed coverage over specific regions
Maximum stability and reliability
Ideal for applications that require consistent connectivity
LEO Satellites
The new generation of low Earth orbit satellites has revolutionized the concept of latency at sea. Orbiting between 200-2,000 km in altitude, they drastically reduce the response time to just 20-40ms - comparable to what you have at home.
The differentiator:
Low latency (70ms or less)
Download speeds that can exceed 1 Gbps
Ideal for video conferencing and real-time applications
The intelligence behind the connection
Real applications
Oil exploration
Platforms process terabytes of seismic data in real time, allowing for instant adjustments in drilling operations.
Sustainable fishing
Fleets monitor schools of fish via satellite, optimize routes, and report captures to environmental agencies in real time.
Shipping
Cargo ships maintain constant contact with ports, optimizing logistics and reducing operational costs.
Oceanographic research
Scientific expeditions transmit critical data about climate change directly from remote regions.
The future of connectivity has already arrived.
The current generation of solutions already integrates artificial intelligence to anticipate connectivity needs, edge computing to process critical data on board, and backup systems that ensure very high uptime rates.
We are talking about vessels that become true floating data centers, capable of operating with the same efficiency as land-based facilities.
Connectivity without limits
Oil exploration Platforms process terabytes of seismic data in real-time, allowing instant adjustments in drilling operations. Sustainable fishing Fleets monitor schools via satellite, optimize routes, and report catches to environmental agencies in real-time.
Maritime transport Cargo ships maintain constant contact with ports, optimizing logistics and reducing operational costs. Oceanographic research Scientific expeditions transmit