Remote connectivity in focus as EC unveils new Arctic Strategy

As the Arctic becomes an increasingly strategic maritime region, how can we ensure its communications infrastructure meets the demands of the vessels and offshore operations that depend on it?

The new Arctic Strategy for the EC (European Commission) was announced on 20 October, and puts maritime security, critical infrastructure and communications firmly on the agenda. Its proposals include investment in submarine cables, expanded satellite coverage and measures to improve maritime situational awareness.

These are welcome priorities. But from an operational maritime perspective, establishing new communications infrastructure is only part of the challenge. As the EU's Arctic Strategy takes shape and potentially changes the demands on maritime communications, resilience will become increasingly important. Vessels and offshore operations must maintain dependable, secure connections at all costs, but achieving this so far North, is never easy.

Different infrastructure, complementary roles

The EC’s strategy includes a new Pan-Arctic Cable that would initially connect Greenland directly to Europe, with potential future extensions towards Canada and Japan. The objective is to strengthen communications for Arctic communities, coastal facilities and other fixed locations.

Meanwhile, new IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) – the European Union’s multi-orbit satellite constellation designed as a sovereign, secure alternative to commercial systems like SpaceX's Starlink – aims to extend satellite coverage for government use.

These initiatives could improve the region's wider communications infrastructure, but established and developing commercial satellite services will remain essential for shipping and offshore operations, as they deliver connectivity for vessels and remote assets beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.

Access to multiple satellite networks provides an important foundation for service availability on ships and platforms. With varying levels of coverage, capacity and performance, these networks can complement one another to provide more dependable connectivity. Effective management is then essential to making the most of these combined capabilities.

The value lies in how networks are managed

Resilience depends on how connections are integrated, monitored and managed. Even though a vessel may have access to several satellite networks, those services must work together effectively to support operations.

This is where network orchestration becomes important. A managed, multi-network approach can help maintain service continuity as conditions change, direct traffic across available connections and apply consistent security policies.

For fleet managers and shore-based IT teams greater visibility and control across vessels is also vital. Working with a single managed service provider can simplify administration, with one point of contact for service management, support and coordination for multiple networks.

Communications underpin maritime security

The EC has proposed a Maritime Security Hub, including an initial Arctic Cable Hub to help monitor, protect and repair submarine infrastructure. The initiative highlights the importance of maritime situational awareness and reliable information sharing, particularly in a region where geopolitical tensions and environmental sensitivity make effective monitoring and coordination especially important.

While initiatives such as IRIS² may contribute to the region's security and safety communications capabilities, established commercial satellite networks will remain central to maritime and offshore operations. These networks support vessel monitoring, operational data exchange, remote assistance and coordinated responses between ship and shore.

Protecting onboard IT and operational technology (OT), securing ship-to-shore data and detecting threats are essential as vessels become increasingly connected will be equally as important. Centrally managed cybersecurity can improve fleet-wide visibility, support incident response and reduce disruption, particularly where remote technical support is limited. As the EU's Arctic Strategy takes shape, established maritime cybersecurity providers will continue to play a vital role in protecting vessels and their digital operations.

From ambition to operational capability

The EU's new Arctic Strategy brings welcome plans to strengthen communications and critical infrastructure across the region. These developments build on an established maritime communications landscape, where commercial satellite networks and managed services already support shipping and offshore operations. As the strategy takes shape, it will create new opportunities for maritime activity and place greater demands on connectivity across the Arctic.

Meeting these evolving requirements will depend on both new infrastructure and effective use of the networks and services already available. By combining complementary satellite technologies with effective network management and cybersecurity, we can help ensure vessels and teams ashore have the dependable communications they need, even in the most demanding Arctic conditions.