Fred. Olsen Express Adds Third Starlink Antenna for Faster Onboard Wi-Fi

Fred. Olsen Express is making its onboard Wi-Fi even better by adding a third antenna that uses Starlink satellites across its fleet. This service began in 2023, in partnership with a Spanish company, as part of their commitment to offering the best travel experience. The new antenna will further boost the coverage and quality of their internet connection on board.

This upgrade means faster, more stable, and high-speed internet for everyone during voyages, even far out at sea. In September 2023, Fred. Olsen Express became one of the first shipping companies to start using this advanced system. They continue to work on integrating it to keep improving the quality of travel. This project is possible thanks to their collaboration with the Spanish company Satlink, which partners with major global communication providers like Starlink.

Ángel Aceña, who heads IT and information security at Fred. Olsen Express, explained: "We installed our first Starlink antenna in September 2023. Our goal was to provide fast, low-latency internet at sea, making Wi-Fi truly usable for both crew and passengers. This system uses satellites in low orbit, which are closer to Earth than other similar devices, ensuring a better connection."

David Rol, head of satellite communication services at Satlink, added: "We've worked closely with Fred. Olsen Express to understand their connectivity needs and provide the best tech solution for their ships. Our main aim is to offer a reliable, high-quality connection for both crew – for their work and well-being – and passengers, making their journey better. Adding this third Starlink antenna is another big step in improving internet at sea, promising an even more efficient and stable service on every trip."

Each ship in Fred. Olsen Express's inter-island fleet now has three Starlink antennas. One is just for the crew's daily work, while the other two are for passengers. Previously, ships only had one antenna for passengers, but a second has recently been added, effectively doubling the internet speed for travelers. Due to more passengers recently, the company plans to add a fourth antenna in the first half of 2026. This Wi-Fi service is free, aiming to give all passengers the best possible experience on board.

Fred. Olsen Express is the top shipping company in the Canary Islands, connecting the islands for over 50 years. Since its first trip in 1974 with the Ferry Gomera, between San Sebastián de La Gomera and Los Cristianos, Tenerife, the company has been dedicated to improving sea travel in the region. They are known for their modern ships and for offering comfortable, punctual, fast, and flexible service.

With nearly 1,000 employees, Fred. Olsen Express is committed to supporting the Canarian community. Their fleet includes eight high-speed ships, two mini-ferries, and three cargo vessels, connecting seven islands across the archipelago. They run seven routes between islands and one coastal route in southern La Gomera. They also link the Canary Islands to mainland Spain, with services from Gran Canaria and Tenerife to Huelva.

As a leader in inter-island travel, Fred. Olsen Express makes about 22,500 trips each year. Annually, they transport over 3.7 million people, 66,000 pets, 1 million cars, and 1.3 million linear meters of cargo (roughly 100,000 freight vehicles). Since the company started, more than 89 million passengers have chosen to travel with them.

Through its 'In Harmony with the Sea' program, Fred. Olsen Express uses innovative methods to reduce its environmental impact. This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Canarian Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.