The passage that tests everything

The Atlantic does not tolerate mediocrity. A passage from the Canaries to the Caribbean, or from the Azores to the US East Coast, subjects every piece of equipment aboard to conditions no laboratory can fully replicate: constant salt humidity, hull vibrations, abrupt temperature changes, and extended periods far from any support infrastructure.

For decades, ocean sailors accepted that crossing the Atlantic meant disconnecting from the world for two or three weeks. Starlink Maritime has changed that premise — not as a technological indulgence, but as a tool that directly affects safety, route planning and quality of life aboard during long passages.

The Starlink network operates with over 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. Coverage in the North Atlantic and Central Atlantic is today practically complete. Even the most remote areas of the ocean, more than 1,500 nautical miles from any coast, receive signal consistently.

Typical performance data on the Atlantic passage (based on user experiences and documented tests):

ZoneTypical download speedLatencyAvailability
North Atlantic (>40° N)80-180 Mbps30-55 ms>97%
Central Atlantic (20°-40° N)100-220 Mbps25-50 ms>98%
Equatorial Atlantic60-150 Mbps30-60 ms>95%
Caribbean100-200 Mbps25-45 ms>98%

These figures confirm something many ocean sailors did not expect: speeds in the Central Atlantic can exceed what many receive ashore with mediocre cable connections.

High-resolution weather routing

This is arguably the most important application for navigation safety. With Starlink aboard, access to high-resolution GRIBs, Passage Weather, PredictWind or StormGeo forecast services, and real-time satellite imagery is constant throughout the entire passage.

An ocean navigator without connectivity depended on HF radio weatherfax — a valid technology but with very limited resolution and update frequency. With Starlink, you access the same weather models that professional meteorologists consult.

Shore communication

For crew families and owners, knowing they can maintain fluid communication during a long passage radically changes the experience. HD video calls are possible even from the middle of the Atlantic. This eliminates one of the most common sources of anxiety during long ocean passages.

Remote work aboard

An increasing number of ocean sailing vessel owners are professionals who combine life aboard with their careers. Starlink allows maintaining video call meetings, managing correspondence, accessing corporate systems remotely and working with the same tools as ashore — from 1,000 miles offshore.

Entertainment and life aboard

An 18-21 day passage can feel long. Access to streaming platforms, music, podcasts and digital books markedly improves crew quality of life. This is not a trivial luxury — crew morale is a genuine safety factor on long passages.

Chart and waypoint updates

Navigating with real-time updated charts improves route safety and efficiency. Applications such as Navionics, OpenCPN or Expedition can download chart updates, traffic corridors and NAVTEX notifications directly from the internet.

We want to be clear: Starlink does not replace emergency communication systems. It functions as an internet and voice/data over IP connection, but does not substitute:

  • VHF / SSB Radio: Standard SOLAS emergency communications. Mandatory.
  • EPIRB: Emergency position-indicating radio beacon. Mandatory.
  • SART or AIS: Identification and tracking systems. Essential offshore.
  • Iridium GO or similar: Emergency satellite communication independent of internet. A recommended complement for long ocean passages.

Starlink is an extraordinary connectivity tool, but offshore safety is built on redundancy.

Hardware on an Atlantic passage: durability and maintenance

The Starlink Maritime Flat High Performance antenna is designed for marine exterior use. It withstands winds up to 96 km/h and is certified for salt water use. During a typical Atlantic passage, the hardware requires no special maintenance.

The only basic care:

  • Rinse the antenna with fresh water on arrival in port, especially after periods of intense salt spray.
  • Ensure there are no obstructions (such as equipment moved on deck) that might block sky visibility.
  • Verify that cabling is properly secured before departure — vibrations on long passages can loosen poorly fastened connections.

Frequently asked questions

Does Starlink work in the South Atlantic?
Coverage in the South Atlantic is improving continuously. In 2024 and 2025, SpaceX has launched new satellites that significantly improve coverage at southern latitudes. For passages to the Caribbean from the Canaries, coverage is excellent. For passages further south (towards the River Plate or Cape Horn), we recommend checking current coverage status before departing.
Does the Starlink antenna consume a lot of power?
The Flat High Performance antenna consumes approximately 40-75W in normal operation, with peaks up to 110W. For an ocean sailing vessel, this is a significant consumption that must be incorporated into the vessel's electrical budget. On a sailing vessel with solar panels and alternator, it is perfectly manageable. We recommend reviewing the vessel's electrical management before installation.
Can I switch Starlink on and off to manage power consumption?
Yes. The antenna can be completely powered down via the app or via a switch on the electrical panel. Many ocean sailors turn it on at specific moments (to download GRIBs, make video calls, etc.) and keep it off the rest of the time to optimise power consumption.
Which Starlink plan is most suitable for an Atlantic crossing?
For a transatlantic passage you need the Starlink Maritime Global plan, which offers coverage without geographic restrictions. Regional plans (Mobile) may have limitations outside the contracted zone. At MaritLink we advise you on the most suitable option for your specific route.