Chronicle: Europe’s New Reality is Changing Maritime Internet

Beautiful northern lights.

Asbjörn Frydenlund, CEO of Nowhere Networks, shares a few words on the evolving geopolitical landscape.

“Lately, we Europeans have been painfully reminded of what it means to rely on the decisions of individual power holders. And not just in terms of political security, but also in communication. So, how do we ensure stable, independent, and future-proof connectivity?

One thing that keeps popping up in the news is the uncertainty surrounding major satellite providers. Will they always be available when we need them?

Zooming out a bit, the real question is what happens when a single player gains too much control over critical infrastructure. That kind of dependency creates vulnerabilities that we can’t afford to ignore.

At sea, reliable internet isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. It’s about safety, operations, and the passenger experience. At Nowhere Networks, we’ve always believed in a hybrid model, where we own our network – combining multiple technologies and providers. Our own land-based radio network works alongside other solutions, including satellites. That way, our customers never have to depend on just one system.

The same applies to suppliers. No provider is irreplaceable. We bring together the best and most suitable options. Then, our software seamlessly integrates everything to ensure the best possible connectivity—at all times.

Looking at Europe and the rest of the world, it’s clear that this is the right approach. In a rapidly changing landscape, resilience is key. We must constantly reassess who we trust, who shares our values, and ensure that we’re never forced into ethical dilemmas that go against our principles or business strategies.

A long-term plan for digital sovereignty is a must. We’re already seeing shipping companies and ports working to reduce their dependence on single providers, instead opting for more robust and diversified connectivity strategies.

We believe in a free, stable, and future-proof internet at sea. But to make that happen, we need to act now—building connectivity on multiple pillars and ensuring we don’t put our entire digital infrastructure in the hands of just one player.”

Asbjörn Frydenlund, CEO Nowhere Networks

Profile image, CEO Nowhere Networks.

 

Scroll to Top