2023年10月16日
继赫伯罗特（Hapag-LLoyd）和马士基（Maersk）之后，商船三井（MOL）今天也宣布决定在其所有船舶上安装 Starlink 卫星通信服务。
试运行和安装
试运行证实，船上的通信环境得到了极大改善，通信速度提高了 50 倍，海员可以与家人进行视频通话并观看视频，这在过去很难实现。考虑到该系统对海员福祉的积极影响，商船三井已决定在其管理的远洋船舶上全面引进该系统。
Starlink 是一种卫星通信服务，利用部署在低轨道上的多颗小型卫星提供高速、低延迟的连接。该集团计划在 2023 财年结束前为约 140 艘船舶配备该系统。
改善连通性
航运业的海员短缺问题日益严重。在此背景下，商船三井认为迫切需要改善船上海员的福利。
该公司强调说，由于一般的船上通信环境会造成与家人和朋友进行私人通信的时间滞后和容量限制，因此改善船上通信环境不仅是商船三井而且是整个行业必须解决的关键问题。
有鉴于此，商船三井与 Marlink AS 合作编写了一份白皮书，概述了当前船上通信环境所面临的挑战、包括 Starlink 在内的低轨道卫星通信概述以及未来的预期应用，并将广泛分享从试验中获得的知识，积极鼓励采取措施解决这一全行业问题。
促进机组人员福利的连通性
联合白皮书还介绍了高质量的互联网接入和更好的连通性可以提高船员福利的方法：
#1 与亲人取得联系
即使在偏远地区，Gap LEO 网络也能提供可靠的高速连接，从而大大提高海员的生活质量。报告称，这使船员能够与家人和朋友保持联系，获取新闻和娱乐信息，并与船外的世界保持联系，从而减轻孤独感和寂寞感。
#2 获得在线培训
在低地轨道卫星网络的支持下，海事专业人员可以在海上访问在线培训和专业发展资源，从而提高技能，紧跟行业发展的最新动态。
白皮书指出，这不仅有助于海员的个人成长，还能培养一支高技能、高素质的员工队伍，从而使整个海运业受益。
#3 加强医疗支持，增加娱乐选择
目前船上有限的带宽往往限制了船员在需要时获取医疗援助等必要资源，同时也限制了他们的娱乐选择。报告称，采用低地轨道卫星网络可带来以下好处：
1.远程医疗援助： 高速、低延迟的低地轨道连接可为在船上生病或受伤的船员提供远程医疗咨询和支持。远程医疗服务可确保海员获得及时、专业的建议和指导，改善他们的身心健康和安全状况。
2.多样化的娱乐和文化体验： 低地轨道网络可以大大扩展船员的娱乐选择范围。随着连接性的提高，海员们可以从各种在线平台流畅地观看电影、电视节目和音乐，从而提供更多的选择和最新的内容。
此外，他们还可以访问食谱翻译和烹饪教程等数字资源，即使船上没有全能厨师，他们也能品尝到家乡的味道，提高自己的烹饪技能。
MOL installs quality internet onboard to improve crew welfare
October 16，2023
Following Hapag-LLoyd and Maersk, MOL today also announced its decision to install Starlink satellite communication service on all its vessels.
The trial and installation
The trials confirmed a dramatic improvement in the communication environment, with up to a 50-fold increase in communication speed, enabling seafarers to make video calls with family members and watch videos, which were difficult in the past. Considering the positive impact on seafarers’ wellbeing, MOL has decided to proceed with a full-scale introduction of the system on its managed ocean-going vessels.
Starlink is a satellite communications service that uses multiple small satellites deployed in low orbit to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity. The group plans to have about 140 vessels equipped with the system by the end of fiscal year 2023.
Improved connectivity
Shortage of seafarers in the shipping industry is becoming more and more serious. Against this backdrop, MOL sees an urgent need to improve the wellbeing of seafarers onboard its vessels.
Because the general onboard communication environment causes time lag and capacity limitations for private communication with family and friends, improvement of the onboard communication environment is a critical issue that must be addressed not only by MOL but also by the industry as a whole, the company highlights.
In light of this situation, MOL, along with Marlink AS, have prepared a white paper, outlining the challenges of the current onboard communication environment, an overview of low-orbit satellite communications including Starlink, and expected applications in the future, and will widely share the knowledge gained from the trials and proactively encourage measures to address this industry-wide issue.
Connectivity fostering crew welfare
The joint white paper also presents ways in which quality internet access and improved connectivity can foster better crew welfare:
#1 Get in touch with loved ones
Gap LEO networks can significantly improve the quality of life for seafarers by providing reliable, high-speed connectivity even in remote regions. This, according to the report, enables crew members to stay in touch with their families and friends, access news and entertainment, and maintain a sense of connection with the world beyond their vessel, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
#2 Access to online training
With the support of LEO satellite networks, maritime professionals can access online training and professional development resources while at sea, allowing them to enhance their skills and stay up-todate with industry advancements.
This not only contributes to the personal growth of individual seafarers, but also benefits the maritime industry as a whole by fostering a highly skilled and competent workforce, the white paper notes.
#3 Enhancing medical support and expanding entertainment options
The limited bandwidth currently available on ships often restricts crew members from accessing essential resources in times of need, such as medical assistance, as well as limiting their entertainment options. The adoption of LEO satellite networks can provide the following benefits, according to the report:
Remote Medical Assistance: High-speed, low-latency LEO connectivity can facilitate remote medical consultations and support for crew members who fall ill or suffer injuries while onboard. Access to telemedicine services ensures that seafarers receive timely, professional advice and guidance, improving their physical and mental health and safety outcomes.
Diverse Entertainment and Cultural Experiences: LEO networks can significantly expand the range of entertainment options available to crew members. With improved connectivity, seafarers can stream movies, TV shows, and music from various online platforms, providing a wider selection and up-to-date content.
Furthermore, they can access digital resources, such as recipe translations and cooking tutorials, enabling them to enjoy a taste of home and improve their culinary skills even when a versatile cook is not on board.