Hurtigruten Expeditions ships to install Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite broadband

The operator claims it will become the first to have the system working across a whole fleet of vessels by the end of this month

Hurtigruten Expeditions is to install Elon Musk’s SpaceX high-peed broadband service Starlink across all ships. 

The installation is due to be completed by the end of this month, making the Norwegian company the first cruise line to implement the connectivity across its fleet in conjunction with IT services supplier partner Speedcast.

Hurtigruten Expeditions and Speedcast began testing and integration of Starlink terminals on the fleet of small-size expedition cruise ships in March. 

The broadband internet solution uses a network of low-orbit satellites.

Starlink is due to introduce Antarctic maritime coverage by the end of the year.

Hurtigruten Expeditions offers free internet connectivity to both passengers and all crew members.

Chief executive Asta Lassesen said: “Introduction of new technology makes it easier for everyone on board to remain connected with friends, family and loved ones no matter where they are. 

“We challenge all cruise lines that follows our example by installing Starlink to also follow our example to make internet free for all crew members.”

She added: “We’ve seen major players announcing plans for implementation of Starlink connectivity. 

“Our partnership with Speedcast and fleetwide introduction of the new service not only puts us ahead of the rest of the cruise industry, it also puts us ahead of the technology. 

“When Starlink introduces maritime coverage in Antarctica and the Arctic, we will be ready.”

Speedcast chief executive oe Spytek said: “With vessels operating in some of the most remote and spectacular areas of the world, Hurtigruten Expeditions is an ideal partner for introducing groundbreaking technology in the cruise industry. 

“Speedcast’s expertise lies in our ability to combine all available connectivity paths and manage a complete service that offers the highest levels of uptime, availability and performance.”