Marlink enhances its “Possibility Platform” by bridging the gap between offshore assets and land-based cloud tools. The partnership secures critical data flows, allowing for faster AI-driven decision-making and improved fuel efficiency.
Oslo and Paris | February 18, 2026 – Building on its recent landmark fleet-wide LEO deployment for CMA CGM, Marlink has announced a strategic enhancement to its cloud service portfolio. The company has successfully integrated Microsoft ExpressRoute into its multi-orbit network, allowing maritime operators to extend their on-premises shipboard networks directly to the Microsoft cloud via a secure, private connection.
This integration marks a critical evolution for the bunkering and shipping sectors, moving beyond simple “internet at sea” to a fully integrated hybrid cloud environment. By utilizing ExpressRoute, vessels can now bypass the public internet, significantly reducing latency and enhancing the security of business-critical data transfers.
Bridging the Ship-to-Shore Gap
As the maritime industry shifts toward AI-driven route optimization and real-time emissions monitoring, the demand for stable cloud access has surged. Marlink’s integration of ExpressRoute allows users to access Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 as if they were in a shore-based office.
Key technical advantages include:
- Predictable Performance: Dedicated connectivity reduces packet loss and ensures consistent speeds for bandwidth-heavy applications.
- Enhanced Security: Data transfers occur over private connections, minimizing exposure to the cyber risks associated with the public internet.
- Seamless Multi-Orbit Orchestration: The service is integrated with Marlink’s XChange NextGen platform, automatically routing cloud traffic over the most efficient satellite link (LEO, GEO, or 4G/5G).
The “Cloud-First” Maritime Strategy
For bunkering operations and global carriers, this move enables the immediate processing of vast datasets. Rather than waiting for port calls to offload performance data, vessels can now feed engine analytics, fuel consumption metrics, and weather data directly into cloud-based AI models for real-time decision-making.
“This integration enables our customers to consume Microsoft cloud services as an extension of their private networks, with the performance and security required for business-critical applications,” said Carlos Carbajal, Marlink CPO.
“By bringing the cloud closer to remote and distributed environments, we remove traditional connectivity barriers, enabling customers to accelerate cloud adoption and digital transformation with Marlink as their trusted managed service partner.”
Supporting the Decarbonization Roadmap
This announcement reinforces Marlink’s commitment to supporting the industry’s “Green and Digital” transition. Direct cloud access is a prerequisite for the next generation of Digital Twins and autonomous vessel monitoring, tools that are increasingly vital for meeting IMO carbon intensity indicators (CII) and optimizing fuel procurement strategies in the bunkering market.
“ExpressRoute enables global, private connectivity that organizations can rely on for their most critical workloads. Through a growing ecosystem of connectivity providers like Marlink, we’re helping customers of Marlink securely and predictably access Azure services and applications wherever they operate,” said Sudha Mahajan, Partner Product Manager, Azure Networking at Microsoft.
Comparison: Recent Marlink Milestones
| Feature | Feb 9 Announcement (CMA CGM) | Feb 18 Announcement (Cloud Integration) |
| Primary Focus | Hardware & LEO Fleet Rollout | Software & Cloud Connectivity |
| Key Partners | Eutelsat OneWeb, CMA CGM | Microsoft (ExpressRoute) |
| Network Type | Multi-Orbit (LEO/GEO) | Hybrid Cloud (Private/Secure) |
| Primary Benefit | High-throughput, low-latency | Reliable, secure access to Azure/365 |
About Marlink
For companies operating in the world’s most challenging environments, from merchant vessels to offshore energy operations, and from humanitarian organizations to cruise ships and superyachts, Marlink creates and delivers possibilities, anywhere.
As a managed service provider and global leader in remote ICT solutions, Marlink generates annual revenues surpassing $800 million and employs over 1,500 professionals operating in more than 30 countries. The company is recognized as the world’s number one provider in maritime connectivity, currently holding a 24.7% market share of the global maritime sector.
The Possibility Platform
Marlink’s core offering is its “Possibility Platform,” a comprehensive suite of end-to-end managed solutions designed to help customers work smarter, safer, and more sustainably. These services include:
- Connectivity: High-speed internet and cloud access via a “network of networks” (GEO, LEO, MEO, 4G/5G, and Terrestrial).
- Cyber Security: Advanced IT and OT security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.
- Cloud & IT: Seamless global integration of cloud technology for remote assets.
- IIoT & Apps: Data-driven solutions for real-time monitoring of fuel consumption, emissions, and vessel performance.
With over 75 years of expertise, Marlink operates a global network of teleports (including the flagship Eik Teleport in Norway) and 24/7 Network Operations Centers (NOC). By unifying satellite, terrestrial, and digital services, Marlink empowers the maritime industry to bridge the gap between ship and shore, making tomorrow’s digital possibilities today’s realities.
Source: Marlink