Travelers on CalMac’s ferries—serving Scotland’s islands and peninsulas—are poised to enjoy faster and more reliable onboard WiFi after Clarus Networks secured a significant 12-month contract to supply Starlink (LEO satellite) connectivity to the UK’s largest ferry operator.
The agreement, awarded through Public Contracts Scotland, will see Clarus deliver a “pooled Starlink data service” across CalMac’s entire fleet, providing high-speed, low-latency broadband designed to improve operational efficiency, crew welfare, and passenger experience on board.
CalMac operates 29 routes connecting over 50 destinations along 200 miles of Scotland’s rugged west coast, completing approximately 136,000 sailings annually. For many remote communities and the region’s thriving tourism sector, resilient connectivity is essential—making this upgrade a vital development for both operational and passenger services.
Chris Schonhut, Director of Maritime and Energy at Clarus Networks, commented: “We’re excited to partner with CalMac to enhance connectivity across their fleet. Starlink’s LEO satellite network offers significant potential for maritime operations, and our Aavora platform ensures it can be managed simply and effectively at scale. This project exemplifies how technology can support critical infrastructure and communities in remote regions of Scotland.”
David Gammie, IT Director at CalMac, added: “Reliable connectivity is fundamental to running a modern ferry service that supports both crew operations and customer needs. Clarus’ maritime expertise and their fleet-wide management platform will help us deliver a better-connected experience across our network.”
While no specific timeline has been disclosed, many CalMac ferries already feature onboard WiFi, suggesting that the upgrade may primarily involve enhancing the satellite backhaul to Starlink to improve passenger connectivity.
What the Contract Includes:
- Deployment of Starlink satellite connectivity on each vessel, utilizing a pooled data model to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
- Configuration and technical support for all Starlink hardware and systems.
- Access to Clarus’ proprietary Aavora platform for full visibility and control of vessel connections.
- Dynamic bandwidth allocation across the fleet, ensuring high-demand routes receive additional capacity.
- 24/7 proactive monitoring and support to maintain service continuity and optimize performance.
- This initiative underscores CalMac’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver better services in challenging environments, helping to connect communities and enhance passenger experiences across Scotland’s remote regions.
