Perspectives for the Future of Remote Connectivity

Published on November 11, 2025 | Category: Marine Technology

Remote connectivity has become a fundamental element for industrial, maritime, and business operations worldwide. By 2025, over 75,000 vessels will already be using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to maintain stable communication, while many companies still face significant connectivity and security challenges. Although technology has advanced significantly, new challenges arise as the demands for more robust and secure connections increase. Companies operating in offshore environments, oil platforms, and remote areas face unique obstacles that require specific technical solutions.

The remote connectivity landscape in 2025 is characterized by significant technological advancements accompanied by complex technical and operational challenges. The maritime and remote operations industry is at a transformative moment, where digitization and automation fundamentally rely on reliable connectivity.

But what is really shaping this future? Which technologies promise to revolutionize how platforms, vessels, and remote operations stay connected? And, more importantly: how can companies prepare today to overcome the challenges that the coming years will bring? It is on these perspectives that we will talk about next.

In this article, you will discover:

  • How LEO satellites are revolutionizing maritime connectivity

  • The main cybersecurity challenges in offshore operations

  • Technological integration trends for the coming years

  • How Multus Tech is contributing to the expansion of multiconnectivity

How LEO satellites are revolutionizing maritime connectivity

The rise of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks such as Starlink and OneWeb represents one of the most significant transformations for remote connectivity in recent years. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites (GEO) that operate at 36,000 km above the Earth, LEO satellites orbit between 500 and 2,000 km, significantly reducing latency and improving bandwidth.

Accelerated Adoption of LEO Technology in the Maritime Sector

In 2024, Starlink was already serving approximately 75,000 vessels with its global LEO services, demonstrating the rapid adoption of this technology. Valour Consultancy recorded about 24,000 commercial vessels using Starlink services in its market sample, highlighting that the American LEO satellite operator may have achieved a significant presence in the commercial maritime market.

The practical advantages of LEO satellites for maritime applications are substantial. Low latency is critical for real-time dynamic positioning adjustments, remote operations, and emergency response. The increased bandwidth enables high-quality video streaming, remote diagnostics, and data-intensive survey operations. Enhanced coverage reduces communication blind spots, especially in polar regions where GEO satellites are less effective.

The main cybersecurity challenges in offshore operations

The expansion of maritime connectivity has brought with it an alarming increase in cyber threats. Maritime technology companies detected cyber threats against 1,800 vessels during the first six months of 2024, reporting at least 23,400 detections of malware and 178 ransomware attacks during this period. This scenario represents a substantial increase compared to previous years.

Evolution of Cyber Threats in the Maritime Sector

Cybercriminals are leveraging advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), to conduct more adaptive and precise attacks. These innovations enable the exploitation of security vulnerabilities and phishing campaigns that evade traditional detection methods.

Operational technology (OT) systems, which govern essential functions onboard such as navigation, propulsion, and cargo handling, remain a primary focus for attackers. Many of these systems rely on outdated software and lack modern cybersecurity measures, making them highly susceptible to breaches. Additionally, the increasing interconnectivity of IT and OT systems introduces cascading risks, where a single breach can disrupt operational and digital environments.

In response to these growing threats, regulators are implementing more stringent measures. The U.S. Coast Guard's cybersecurity rule, effective July 2025, places cybersecurity risk management at the center of the Maritime Transportation System (MTS), treating cyber threats as a real and present danger to national security and maritime operations.

Organizations face rising costs due to cyber incidents. According to the study Shifting Tides, Rising Ransoms and Critical Decisions 2023, although the average cost of a cyberattack in the maritime industry has reached $550,000, ransom demands have increased by more than 350%, with average ransom payments reaching $3.2 million.

Technology integration trends for the coming years

In 2025, private 5G networks are being integrated into many maritime operations, particularly in offshore energy, cargo transport, and passenger transport, where reliability and low latency are critical. With local breakout capabilities, these networks can process and act on critical data directly onboard, allowing for faster response times for navigation systems and equipment monitoring without relying on land connections.

Since 2022, Petrobras has been implementing improvements to its 5G network, aiming to increase its data transmission speed by several times and enhance its remote operations, real-time monitoring technologies, as well as leverage augmented reality, mixed reality, and the so-called Internet of Things (IoT) among other possibilities. 

With technological advancements, strategic acquisitions, and the launch of new services, the industry is undergoing a profound change. Companies that can adapt to the transforming landscape will thrive, while those that fail to innovate may struggle. The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) considers satellite technology a solution to achieve the goal of providing connectivity, with competition, to remote areas. This approach recognizes that different technologies must be combined to meet the specific needs of each operational environment.

Practical Applications of Private 5G and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is being integrated into maritime communication systems to improve efficiency, reliability, and cybersecurity. AI-based solutions can detect and mitigate GPS spoofing/jamming threats by identifying anomalies in positioning data and automatically switching to alternative navigation methods. AI can also optimize bandwidth usage by prioritizing essential vessel operations over non-critical data consumption.

The technological transition cannot compromise operational continuity, which means updates must be implemented gradually. Furthermore, the need for compatibility between new and old systems often results in hybrid solutions that may not offer the optimal performance of any of the technologies involved, but ensure operational resilience.

Artificial intelligence is the main maritime trend due to its wide range of applications throughout the industry, including route and fuel optimization, autonomous navigation, and predictive maintenance. These applications fundamentally rely on reliable connectivity to transmit data, receive model updates, and perform real-time analysis.

How Multus Tech is contributing to the expansion of multicconnectivity

Multus Tech has been working on the development of connectivity solutions for extreme and hard-to-reach environments. With a special focus on offshore markets, oil and gas, mining, and remote areas.

Through an approach that combines multiple satellite connectivity technologies, including Ku/Ka VSAT, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites like Starlink and OneWeb, as well as 4G/5G solutions when available. This multiconnectivity strategy allows offshore and onshore operations to maintain stable communication even in adverse conditions, automatically switching between different technologies as needed and available.

With over 600 projects completed and an approved partnership with major players in the sector, Multus Tech offers not only connectivity but also complete system integration, specialized technical support, and certified labor for remote operations. The company serves from oil platforms and support vessels to agro-industrial units and industrial plants in locations where telecommunications infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.