Published on November 11, 2025 | Category: Marine Technology
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.
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.
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.
Evolution of Cyber Threats in the Maritime Sector
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.