Oldendorff expands relationship with Marlink integrating Starlink with existing VSAT

Marlink, a global leader in managed services for business-critical digital solutions, has expanded its long-standing partnership with Oldendorff Carriers (Oldendorff) through the integration of flexible Starlink Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity across its owned vessels, supporting reliable, high-performance digital operations across the company’s bulk carrier fleet.

The agreement extends connectivity capabilities from Marlink’s Possibility Portfolio integrating LEO into existing (GEO) VSAT and MSS backup, provided across more than 80 Oldendorff vessels. Under the expanded framework, Marlink now provides a shared pool of monthly data capacity delivered over the Starlink LEO network, enabling flexible bandwidth allocation across the fleet according to dynamic operational and crew requirements. 

The expanded hybrid connectivity environment delivers resilient, high-performance communications across Oldendorff’s global trading routes. Through dynamic fleet-wide bandwidth allocation, vessels can access Starlink capacity according to need, supporting reliable ship-to-shore data exchange, digital operational workflows and enhanced onboard internet access for seafarers. 

Headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, Oldendorff  is one of the world’s largest dry bulk shipping companies, operating a modern fleet serving global commodity and raw material trades. With vessels operating in diverse regions and trading routes, reliable and resilient connectivity plays an increasingly important role in maintaining operational efficiency and optimising global fleet management. 

“As demand for operational and crew connectivity continues to grow across our vessels, we require flexible and dependable network solutions that can scale dynamically with our operational needs,” said Matthias Hamann, Head of IT Operations at Oldendorff Carriers. “By expanding our partnership with Marlink and integrating managed LEO connectivity into our existing network environment, we are enhancing the performance, flexibility and resilience of onboard communications worldwide.”

The deployment reflects the accelerating adoption of LEO connectivity across the maritime sector, where shipowners are increasingly combining multiple satellite technologies for higher bandwidth, lower latency and improved resilience at sea. Hybrid network architectures integrating GEO and LEO services are enabling vessels to support a growing range of operational and crew applications while maintaining service continuity across changing operational and geopolitical environments. 

“Our expanded partnership with Oldendorff Carriers demonstrates how hybrid network solutions integrating multiple GEO-LEO services can support modern vessel operations while ensuring reliable digital experiences for crews worldwide,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime at Marlink. “Through our managed service approach, we help customers adapt new technologies in a secure and operationally efficient way.”