Arctica - Le Havre, France - KVH V7HTS, Starlink, Network Integration Project

Field Dispatch - ARCTICA (MARVEN) 

Le Havre, France | 21–23 November 2025

Project Overview

Global Satcoms successfully delivered a complete communication system upgrade onboard ARCTICA (new name: MARVEN). The project included a full installation of Starlink, KVH V7, Commbox Edge2, crew Wi-Fi infrastructure, AP configuration, and network optimisation.
The initial pre-installation was not completed by the vessel, requiring a full end-to-end installation—including removals, structural preparation, cabling, antenna mounting, testing, system activation, and crew support.
The engineer worked across three consecutive days to deliver the installation under varying weather conditions and tight onboard logistics.

Project Details

Vessel: ARCTICA (Renamed: MARVEN)
Location: Le Havre, France
Service Dates: 21–23 November 2025
Client: KVH / Vessel Operator
Service Category: Maritime Communication Systems

Scope of Work

• Full Starlink System Installation & Testing

• KVH V7 Antenna Installation

• Removal of legacy antennas & cabling

• Installation of ICM and BDUs in instrument room

• Running and preparing new cable ducts

• Structural work (cutting ducts, drilling, opening holes)

• Crew Wi-Fi network setup & captive portal configuration

• Installation of Crew POE Switch & AP Reconfiguration

• Business Network Switch Installation

• Ship Mail Configuration for Captain’s PC

• Cable Dressing & Cabinet Organisation

• Full system validation (Starlink, KVH, Wi-Fi, Ship Mail)

Operational Constraints & Challenges

• Pre-installation not completed, requiring full system install from zero

• Structural modifications needed (duct cutting, plate fabrication, drilling)

• Weather intermittently affecting outdoor antenna mounting

• Removal of old equipment using ship crane

• Multi-system integration across several cabins and decks

• Long working hours (up to 23:00) to ensure project completion

• Coordination with ship master, POC, electrician, and crane operator

Systems Installed & Commissioned

• Starlink Maritime High-Speed Internet

• KVH V7 Antenna (New mounting fabricated onboard)

• ICM (Integrated Communication Module)

• Crew Wi-Fi Network with captive portal

• Commbox Edge2

• Access Points (APs) reconfigured and tested

• Crew POE Switch installed

• Business LAN Switch installed and validated

Work Included:
Cabling, terminations, structural preparation, equipment mounting, software updates, Wi-Fi configuration, phone tests, email system setup, cable dressing, and end-to-end performance testing.

Timeline of Activities

21 November 2025 (06:30–19:00)

• Travel to Le Havre and boarding at 10:30

• Meeting with Master and POC; SOW confirmation

• Inspection of all equipment

• Full installation initiated due to missing pre-installation

• Starlink antenna installation and testing

• Direct internet access: OK

• Removal of old antenna using ship crane

• Removal of old cabling

• Installation of new cables and preparation of ducts (cutting, drilling)

• Fitter fabricated mounting plate for KVH antenna

• BDUs installed inside instrument room rack

• Cabling completed as per diagrams

• Gyro cable connected to ICM

22 November 2025 (08:00–23:00)

• Weather cleared; KVH V7 antenna mounted using crane

• Antenna connected to ICM and powered on

• System went online successfully

• Performed online software updates

• Phone tests: OK

• Crew POE Switch installed

• APs reconfigured

• Crew Wi-Fi tested via captive portal

• Crew internet access validated

23 November 2025 (08:00–14:00)

• Business LAN Switch installed

• Ship mail successfully tested on Captain’s PC

• Crew Wi-Fi access demonstrated onboard

• Cable dressing and organisation completed

• Disembarkation at 14:00 and travel home

System Status Overview

Notes & Recommendations

• All systems are functional and meet operational requirements.

• No outstanding issues reported by Master or POC.

• Good communication between engineer, ship crew, and crane operator ensured smooth installation.

Lessons Learned

1. Pre-installation must be confirmed prior to deployment.
Missing preparation extended the project scope significantly.

2. Weather planning is essential for crane-assisted antenna mounting.
Works had to be paused until conditions permitted safe installation.

3. Structural preparations require time and ship coordination.
Duct cutting, drilling, and plate fabrication added complexity.

4. Multi-system projects benefit from early AP and network mapping.
Efficient reconfiguration of APs avoided delays.

5. Extended work windows should be expected when integrating legacy and new systems.
Combining removals, installations, and configuration increases workload.

Final Outcome

• Full Starlink, KVH, Commbox, and Wi-Fi network successfully installed and validated.

• All crew and business networks tested and confirmed operational.

• Installation completed within the required 3-day window.

• Vessel crew confirmed acceptance of all works.

• ARCTICA (MARVEN) now operates with a fully upgraded and integrated communication suite.