According to news from the shipping industry website, Marlink has further deepened its long-term cooperation with Oldendorff Carriers by integrating Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellite services.
Oldendorff Carriers, headquartered in Lübeck, is one of the world’s largest dry bulk shipping companies. As ship operations become increasingly data-driven, reliable connectivity plays a growing role in fleet management and operational efficiency.
Under the agreement, Marlink’s connectivity services will be extended to more than 80 vessels of Oldendorff Carriers, combining Starlink low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites with existing geostationary earth orbit (GEO) VSAT and mobile satellite services (MSS) to provide a hybrid communication platform.
Matthias Hamann, IT Director of Oldendorff Carriers, stated that the company needs network solutions capable of adapting to changing operational demands.
He pointed out, “As the fleet’s demand for operations and seafarer connectivity continues to grow, we need flexible and reliable network solutions that can dynamically scale according to operational needs.”
He said, “By deepening cooperation with Marlink and integrating managed LEO connectivity into the existing network environment, we are improving the performance, flexibility, and resilience of global shipboard communications.”
This deployment reflects a broader shift in the maritime sector towards hybrid satellite networks, combining geostationary and low-earth orbit satellite services to provide higher bandwidth, lower latency, and better resilience.
Shipowners are increasingly adopting multi-orbit connectivity solutions to support a growing number of operational applications, remote monitoring tools, and crew welfare services, while maintaining communication across different trading regions.
Tore Morten-Olsen, President of Marlink Maritime, stated that hybrid connectivity is becoming a key component of modern ship operations.
He emphasized, “Marlink’s expanded partnership with Oldendorff Carriers demonstrates how integrated multi-orbit GEO-LEO hybrid network solutions can support modern ship operations while ensuring a reliable digital experience for seafarers worldwide.”
