VSAT

Very-Small-Aperture Terminal satellite communications providing always-on broadband at sea over Ku-band or Ka-band geostationary satellites. VSAT enables ship-shore data links suitable for ECDIS chart updates, weather routing, fleet monitoring, and crew internet, typically at speeds of 1–10 Mbit/s. Antenna size is roughly 60–120 cm. Operators contract VSAT service from providers such as Marlink, Speedcast, Inmarsat (Fleet Xpress), and KVH; coverage is global except very high latitudes. Crew welfare and operational efficiency drove rapid VSAT adoption from the early 2010s.