When a new vessel enters service, most ship operators focus on the essentials—commissioning the engine room, loading the software stack, activating the WANs. IT managers rush to finalize hardware, configure firewalls, and test VSAT or Starlink links.
But there’s one critical factor that often gets overlooked: the crew and their expectations around internet access.
Today’s seafarers, whether ratings or officers, step onboard expecting what they have ashore: fast, affordable, and unrestricted connectivity. If your newbuild or acquired vessel doesn’t deliver that from day one, morale drops, turnover rises, and your support inbox fills with complaints.
In 2025, connectivity defines crew welfare as much as pay and rotation. That’s why future-ready vessels start with hybrid internet architecture—built for speed, redundancy, and user autonomy.
The Shift: Connectivity Is No Longer a Perk—It’s Expected
Maritime connectivity has changed. Seafarers no longer settle for token data cards or internet “hours.” They expect:
- Always-on Wi-Fi in cabins and common areas.
- High-speed internet, especially with Starlink in play.
- App freedom (WhatsApp, Messenger, TikTok).
- Affordable or free packages for personal use.
- Privacy & reliability—no crew wants to beg the ETO for signal.
In short: New vessel, new crew, new internet standards.
“As one Chief Officer put it: If the Wi-Fi works, the whole ship works.”
Fast Setup. Full Control. Zero Overlap With Corporate IT
- Smart Bandwidth Management
Whether you’re using VSAT, Starlink, or LTE, MarPoint helps you segment crew internet from business traffic. Officers, guests, and crew remain separate and protected. - Evo3 Router + UNI Virtualization Server
Combining WAN routing intelligence with virtualized crew internet tools, this setup lets you track usage, assign vouchers, set limits, and block abuse—all without physical PCs. - Crew Self-Service Portal
Crew members can top up data, reset passwords, and check usage from any mobile device—no guesswork, no intervention. - Pin & User-Based Access Models
Control access through time-based or volume-based vouchers. Offer free Wi-Fi at anchor, or low-cost upgrades at sea. Total flexibility, zero admin overhead. - Cybersecure & Class-Compliant
MarPoint’s solutions meet IACS UR E26/E27 and IMO cyber guidelines, aligning with ABS-classed cyber safety standards—even on the crew internet side.
How Evo3 and 5G Work Together for Continuous Connectivity
Behind every seamless crew experience lies a resilient network foundation. MarPoint delivers turnkey maritime connectivity using a hybrid architecture that combines:
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Starlink Maritime for high-speed, low-latency internet with global coverage and fully managed support.
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Heavy-Duty 5G/LTE (IP68 Rated) routers for resilient nearshore connectivity and backup WAN options.
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Smart WAN Auto-Switching & Load Balancing to maximize uptime and optimize cost between Starlink, LTE, VSAT, and FBB.
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Integrated Remote Management so your fleet’s connectivity and performance are monitored and supported by MarPoint’s NOC, 24/7
Whether your vessel is at anchor, alongside, or mid-ocean, our connectivity services ensure your crew internet remains stable, segmented, and secure—without intervention from onboard staff.
Ship Manager Tools That Enable Full Control
Modern ship managers need agility and oversight across their fleet. MarPoint delivers both through advanced tools that simplify control and customization.
- User-Based Accounts with Top-Up Capability
Enable managers to allocate internet resources efficiently and maintain cost control through per-user top-ups. - On-Board PIN-Based Hotspot Cards
Generate hotspot cards directly from the Control Center App—no waiting, no shore-side dependency. - Custom PINs with MB or Hourly Consumption
Tailor internet access by offering PINs with specific data or hourly limits to match budget and crew needs. - Quality of Service (QoS) Control
Apply QoS on a per-user or per-network basis, ensuring critical applications always receive the necessary bandwidth.
Empowering Ship Managers and Crews
MarPoint stands out by offering a comprehensive suite of maritime internet management tools designed for both ship managers and seafarers.
Benefits for Ship Managers:
- Streamlined Management: Centrally manage crew internet access across the entire fleet.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Control: Prioritize bandwidth for business-critical apps, throttle non-essential traffic.
- Cloud & Local Content Filtering: Enforce browsing policies and block unwanted content.
- Scalable Escalation Policies: Define WAN usage rules and escalation by user group or network type (e.g. FBB, VSAT).
- Real-Time Data Visualization: Track consumption, usage patterns, and user activity in real time.
Benefits for Crew:
- Unparalleled Value: More affordable and flexible than traditional prepaid internet solutions.
- Prioritized QoS: Reliable bandwidth and performance—no matter how many users are online.
- Flexible Card Management: PIN-based or user-based systems managed onboard or from shore.
- Custom Web Portal: View data balance, usage history, and account details from a simple browser page.
CRM Integration: Automating Internet Provisioning
For fleet operators managing hundreds of seafarers, automating internet provisioning is key. MarPoint’s open API allows seamless integration with your CRM, ERP, or vessel management system.
Key Features:
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Auto-creation of crew internet cards
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CRM-based billing and invoicing
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Customizable GUI to match your brand
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Modular API design compatible with popular maritime platforms
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Secure authentication and detailed reporting
This ensures scalable management of crew internet packages across commercial fleets.
Final Thoughts:
The first impression your vessel makes isn’t the bridge—it’s the Wi-Fi.
In 2025, crew internet isn’t a perk—it’s infrastructure.
Make sure your IT setup meets expectations—not only from management but from the people living aboard.
Discover how MarPoint’s hybrid architecture transforms fleet connectivity from a challenge into a competitive advantage.
