For the past several years, SpaceX’s Starlink has transformed connectivity at sea, setting a new benchmark for broadband performance aboard superyachts. High-speed, low-latency internet has evolved from a luxury into an operational necessity, supporting everything from remote working and 4K streaming to cloud-based yacht management systems and real-time vessel monitoring. Now, Amazon is preparing to challenge that dominance through Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, signalling the beginning of a new competitive era in maritime communications.

Starlink entered the market with a significant first-mover advantage. Its rapidly expanding low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation and maritime-specific service packages have been widely adopted across the superyacht sector. Compared with traditional VSAT services operating in geostationary orbit, Starlink delivers substantially lower latency and significantly higher throughput, dramatically improving the onboard digital experience. As a result, many yachts now operate hybrid communications systems, with Starlink serving as the primary broadband connection alongside conventional satellite providers for redundancy.

Amazon Leo, however, brings formidable resources and long-term ambition to the market. Originally launched as Project Kuiper, the initiative has been rebranded while maintaining its objective of deploying a constellation of more than 3,200 LEO satellites to deliver global broadband connectivity. Following its first operational satellite launches in 2025, Amazon has accelerated deployment and expects commercial services to expand as additional satellites enter orbit.

For the superyacht industry, the arrival of Amazon Leo is less about replacing Starlink and more about increasing competition, aside from the potential it provides in having two primary connectivity systems as opposed to one primary and one back-up.

The days of heavy VSAT domes with slow and expensive back-up options, even on the lowest Keep Alive packages, seem to be truly over. e3 Systems have certainly been busy removing them, with their afterlife mainly consisting of being repurposed as the planet’s most expensive cat-feeding stations up at the SOS Animal sanctuary in Calvia.

Connectivity, if it wasn’t already, has become ever more mission-critical, supporting navigation updates, cybersecurity, engineering diagnostics, crew welfare, guest entertainment and seamless integration with shoreside management platforms. Owners and captains increasingly expect carrier diversity rather than dependence on a single provider.

Amazon’s broader technology ecosystem could become a significant differentiator. Integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) has the potential to simplify cloud connectivity for fleet operators, yacht management companies and onboard IoT systems. Advanced edge computing, secure data transfer and scalable cloud services could appeal to larger yachts operating sophisticated digital infrastructures.

The company has also signalled its commitment to the maritime sector by appointing specialist marine communications partners to distribute Amazon Leo services globally. These developing partnerships indicate that commercial shipping, offshore industries and the superyacht market are viewed as strategic opportunities rather than secondary markets.

Despite the excitement, Starlink retains a commanding lead. Its constellation numbers several thousand operational satellites, providing mature global coverage, established maritime hardware and proven performance across thousands of vessels. However, within our European cruising agenda, Starlink remains unavailable and without authorisation in Turkey, a seasonal bugbear since its launch. Amazon Leo is still building both its satellite network and customer base, so whether this will solve the Turkey issue remains to be seen, and its early services may initially offer more limited regional availability than Starlink before achieving full global coverage.

For superyacht owners, this competition is ultimately good news. Increased rivalry is likely to drive innovation, improve network resilience and place downward pressure on pricing, while encouraging further investment in maritime-specific services. Much as competition reshaped terrestrial telecommunications, the emergence of Amazon Leo alongside Starlink promises to accelerate the evolution of connected yachting.

Over the next five years, connectivity will increasingly become a defining feature of the onboard experience. Whether enabling autonomous vessel systems, supporting AI-powered maintenance or simply delivering uninterrupted streaming in the middle of the Pacific, the race between Amazon Leo and Starlink is set to shape the future of communications across the global superyacht fleet.

In the meantime, let us know if we can assist in removing domes, including TVROs, as IPTV solutions develop alongside fast and cheap connectivity. The cats will be grateful, in their own inevitably quiet way.

Ronald Bunders joins e3 Systems

We are delighted to announce that Ronald Bunders has joined e3 Systems, bringing further knowledge and experience into our incumbent team covering bridge work and Navcomms.

Originally from Holland, Ronald has been an electronics specialist for close to 30 years, with his most recent time afloat as engineer on SY Leopard 3. Ronald is very well known in superyacht circles, having spent over 20 years as a project manager at TijssenElektro in Holland and then Palma in partnership with Alewijnse.

His technical expertise covers navigation and communication (Nav/Com) system design and installation, commissioning, GMDSS systems, electrical system integration, IT support and CCTV, whilst his practical approach, combined with decades of hands-on field experience, enables him to solve complex technical challenges efficiently while maintaining close relationships with captains, engineers, owners and shipyards around the world.

As we enter a busy refit season after the roasting summer of 2026, do please be in touch!

Hamish Goddard, e3 Systems

Hamish.Goddard@e3s.com / +34 686 634 038