Maritime Satellite Communications Set to Double by 2033

According to a report released by Novaspace, a space consulting and market intelligence firm formed from a merger between Euroconsult and SpaceTec Partners, the market share of Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) solutions in maritime communications is expected to increase significantly. The report predicts that NGSO solutions will account for 90% of the market by 2033, up from 20% in 2023. Starlink’s launch of its maritime service has played a key role in driving this growth, leading to a rapid increase in the number of vessels equipped with VSAT technology.

The total number of vessels using satellite communication services is projected to more than double over the next decade, reaching 90,000 by 2033. This growth is expected to drive service revenues in the maritime market from $1.8 billion in 2023 to $3 billion by 2033. The report also forecasts a significant increase in bandwidth usage, from 138 Gbps in 2023 to 1.7 Tbps by 2033, driven by the entry of Starlink and the adoption of NGSO systems.

Novaspace anticipates that new-generation NGSO systems will lead to decreased capacity prices and an exponential increase in capacity supply. As a result, operator revenues are projected to grow from under $620 million in 2023 to approximately $1.14 billion by 2033. The report highlights a shift away from GEO capacity towards NGSO systems for primary bandwidth needs, with NGSO capacity expected to capture a 96% market share by 2033. Overall, the maritime satcom market is expected to continue evolving rapidly, with the adoption of NGSO services set to accelerate globally.

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