Marlink has expanded its partnership with Oldendorff Carriers to integrate Starlink Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity across more than 80 owned bulk vessels. This hybrid satellite solution utilizes a shared monthly data pool to dynamically allocate high-speed, low-latency bandwidth, significantly boosting both digital ship-to-shore operations and onboard crew welfare.
Oslo and Paris | June 23, 2026 – Marlink, a global leader in managed services for business-critical digital solutions, has announced the expansion of its long-standing partnership with Oldendorff Carriers (Oldendorff). The new agreement integrates flexible Starlink Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity across Oldendorff’s owned vessels, significantly boosting digital operations and crew welfare initiatives across more than 80 bulk carriers.
The deal highlights the maritime industry’s accelerating shift toward hybrid network architectures, combining traditional Geostationary Orbit (GEO) VSAT and Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) with cutting-edge LEO technology to achieve higher bandwidth and lower latency.
Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation for Global Dry Bulk Operations
The agreement expands Oldendorff’s access to Marlink’s “Possibility Portfolio.” Rather than relying on rigid, vessel-specific data caps, the integration introduces a shared pool of monthly data capacity delivered over the Starlink LEO network. This allows for dynamic fleet-wide bandwidth allocation, meaning data can be routed where it is needed most based on real-time operational demands and crew requirements.
Headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, Oldendorff Carriers is one of the world’s largest dry bulk shipping companies. Because its fleet operates across diverse, high-traffic global commodity routes, resilient ship-to-shore data exchange is vital for maintaining operational efficiency and optimizing global fleet management.
Key Benefits of the Hybrid Connectivity Upgrade:
- Resilient Operations: Continuous service continuity across changing operational, environmental, and geopolitical landscapes by blending GEO, LEO, and MSS backup networks.
- Optimized Workflows: Faster, more reliable ship-to-shore data transfer to support modern digital operational workflows.
- Enhanced Crew Welfare: High-speed, low-latency internet access for seafarers, a crucial factor in modern crew retention and well-being.
Executive Perspectives
Matthias Hamann, Head of IT Operations at Oldendorff Carriers, said “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. 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.”
Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime at Marlink, said “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. Through our managed service approach, we help customers adapt new technologies in a secure and operationally efficient way.”
About the Companies
About Oldendorff Carriers
Oldendorff Carriers is a premier global dry bulk shipping company, operating a massive fleet of approximately 800 vessels to serve worldwide raw material and commodity trades. The company maintains a highly globalized presence, represented by 20 offices around the world and a diverse workforce of over 4,500 employees spanning 60 nationalities.
About Marlink
Marlink is a managed service provider and global leader in remote ICT solutions, catering to companies operating in the world’s most challenging environments, including merchant vessels, offshore/onshore energy operations, humanitarian organizations, and superyachts. With annual revenues surpassing $800 million and a workforce of 1,500 employees operating across more than 30 countries, Marlink’s “Possibility Platform” enables a comprehensive suite of end-to-end managed solutions, spanning Connectivity, Network, Cyber Security, Cloud & IT, and IoT & Apps.
Source: Marlink