SK Telink Deploys Starlink LEO Satellite Service on 113 Pan Ocean Vessels

Starlink Maritime Service Supply Contract
First Large-Scale Adoption in the Korean Shipping Industry
"Addressing Crew Digital Isolation, Improving Working Conditions"

With the launch of Starlink Korea's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication service, SK Telink announced on December 4 that it has signed a contract to supply Starlink's maritime service to the fleet of Pan Ocean, a leading domestic shipping company.

This marks the fastest large-scale adoption of LEO satellite service in the Korean shipping industry, in line with the commercialization trend, and represents SK Telink's first major supply achievement as the official domestic reseller.

Starlink, built by SpaceX, is a low Earth orbit satellite-based network that provides ultra-high-speed, low-latency connectivity compared to traditional satellite communications, delivering exceptional reliability in maritime and offshore environments. For Pan Ocean, which operates across extensive global routes, establishing a stable and uninterrupted communication infrastructure is essential. Through this large-scale adoption, improvements are expected in overall operational quality, including enhanced onboard work efficiency, navigational safety, and crew convenience. Pan Ocean plans to apply LEO satellite service as a standard not only to its existing fleet of 113 owned vessels but also to new ships currently under construction.

As the official domestic reseller, SK Telink will provide integrated support, covering everything from Starlink terminal installation and activation to plan provision and maintenance. The company will also conduct operational environment analysis and technical support tailored to Pan Ocean, ensuring the stable deployment of Starlink's LEO satellite communication service across Pan Ocean's fleet.

Based on the Pan Ocean case, SK Telink plans to expand its business beyond the shipping industry into various sectors such as shipbuilding, plant and marine engineering, industrial and construction sites, enterprise private networks, and disaster safety communications.

A Pan Ocean representative stated, "With the introduction of Starlink service, Pan Ocean's digital transformation strategy-such as real-time sharing of vessel operation data, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization-will gain further momentum. The improved communication environment on board will also greatly help address digital isolation and enhance the working conditions for crew members who must spend extended periods at sea."

Lee Shinyong, Head of the Satellite Business Division at SK Telink, commented, "Successfully securing a large-scale supply for the Pan Ocean fleet in line with the full-scale launch of Starlink Korea signals a true innovation in the domestic maritime communication market. We will take the lead in providing customers with next-generation satellite communication that ensures stable connectivity anywhere in the world."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.