The Le Commandant Charcot. Photo: Ponant

Marlink integrated both Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) internet services on a Ponant polar vessel, marking Marlink’s first installation combining VSAT, Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Iridium services. The installation announced Tuesday was for French cruise operator Ponant’s luxury icebreaker vessel, Le Commandant Charcot.

Marlink said that combining three primary services means that Ponant can select the backbone VSAT for data that requires a guaranteed throughput, along with polar coverage from Starlink, OneWeb and Iridium LEO services. Marlink’s SD-WAN-orchestrated connectivity manages the bandwidth from Geostationary Orbit (GEO) VSAT, LEO, and 4G/5G services. 

“Marlink is delighted to extend the solution orchestrated for PONANT to include Starlink and OneWeb, giving Le Commandant Charcot the unique combination of available services to stay connected wherever she sails. Our expertise in creating digital hybrid solutions means these new services can provide immediate guest benefits while also contributing to safe and smart vessel operations,” commented Tore Morten Olsen, President of Maritime for Marlink.