Orkney Ferries expands satellite internet across fleet after successful trial

Following a successful nine-month trial funded by the Scottish Government on Orkney Ferries' Northern Isles routes, satellite internet has been permanently rolled out across its fleet this year, improving internet access and reliability for all users and crew.

The pilot, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by public sector infrastructure organisation, the Scottish Futures Trust, was delivered in partnership with Orkney Ferries, CloudNet IT Solutions and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It delivered high speed satellite internet on the Earl Sigurd, Earl Thorfinn and the Varagen.

Thousands of passengers benefited from the service, using the improved connection to work, use social media, browse the web and send and receive emails whilst travelling.

Crew members have also seen significant operational improvements, including faster access to weather data, more efficient back office processes, improved maintenance workflows and smoother electronic transactions. The rollout of the system provides an extra layer of emergency backup for the fleet; by running it alongside existing systems, it will ensure more reliable coverage.

A user survey conducted last summer demonstrated that for 94% of respondents, having connectivity onboard was important, and 92% wanted the connection quality at an increased level.

Satellite internet has now been rolled out across the majority of the fleet, with the exceptions being the Nordic Sea, Charles Ann II and the Zevi 1 vessels. Isles residents and visitors can now enjoy a resilient, multi-layered service that substantially improves connectivity and speeds.

Councillor Mellissa Thomson, Chair of the Board of Orkney Ferries, said:

"Some routes can take as long as three hours, making this pilot excellent news for our passengers by providing them a seamless digital service throughout their journey, allowing them to connect with friends, family, or conduct important business. The feedback from the trial has been incredibly positive, and we are delighted to see this technology becoming a permanent feature across the fleet."

This initiative was the first of its kind in the UK and forms part of a wider Scottish Government effort to provide a better service and improve digital connectivity for island communities, supporting long term resilience, growth and population sustainability.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

"Following a successful pilot, I am delighted that enhanced connectivity is now available across the Orkney Ferries fleet and is delivering real benefits for island residents, businesses and visitors.

"The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of location, can access digital services and the opportunities they unlock. This rollout is not only making journeys more enjoyable and productive, but is an important development in understanding how we can utilise satellite technology to continue breaking barriers to digital connectivity in our rural and island communities."

Additional information:

Scottish Futures Trust

The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is Scotland's infrastructure centre of expertise.

Its purpose is to drive best practice in strategy, investment, delivery and management of Scotland's infrastructure. Working collaboratively across the public and private sectors, SFT delivers change and brokers solutions by deploying industry-leading skills and deep experience.

Satellite Internet

The service leverages low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, delivering speeds of at least 200 Megabits per second, with Wi-Fi technology distributing the signal throughout the vessels.

The satellite network consists of over 7,000 satellites in various orbits around the Earth, each passing overhead every 10-15 minutes. The ferries' terminals automatically connect to the nearest satellite, positioned about 800 miles above the Earth and traveling at approximately 17,000 miles per hour.