SM Line ships get satellite systems from SpaceX subsidiary Starlink Korea

South Korean liner operator SM Line has installed satellite systems from Starlink Korea, the South Korean subsidiary of US aerospace and artificial intelligence group Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), on all 13 ships in its fleet.

Starlink’s low earth orbit satellite communication is a service that uses more than 8,000 satellites launched at an altitude of about 550 km, and is closer than geo-stationary orbit (GEO) satellites at an altitude of more than 35,000 km, so the communication speed is fast and stable.

SM Line’s management said the company, which operates transpacific and intra-Asia services, is making an all-out transition to smart shipping.

Starlink’s system will enable seafarers to receive telemedicine services, take online courses and make phone calls to their families back home, helping to improve work satisfaction.

The systems will also enable precise monitoring of ship operations and quick and accurate safety management in the event of emergencies or bad weather.