MV BASTIONS – Lianyungang Port, China- VSAT & Peplink Installation, VoIP Configuration & Starlink Relocation

Field Dispatch Install - MV BASTIONS 

Lianyungang Port, China | 25–29 November 2025

Project Summary

Global Satcoms successfully deployed a complete satellite communication solution onboard MV BASTIONS in Lianyungang, China.
The work included VSAT installation, Peplink setup, relocation of Starlink equipment, VoIP configuration, and system commissioning with remote support.
Due to equipment logistics and vessel modifications, the service required multi-day coordination with the crew and support team to finalize the new communication architecture.

Vessel: MV BASTIONS

Location: Lianyungang Port, China

Service Dates: 25–29 November 2025

Service Scope:

• VSAT System Installation & Commissioning

• Peplink Router Configuration

• Starlink Relocation & Interim Connectivity

• VoIP Phone Installation & Configuration

• Rack Assembly & LAN Cabling

• Cable Routing & Fabrication Support

• Remote Activation & Communication Validation

Challenges & Operational Constraints

• Equipment delivery delays required the engineer to assemble rack components and LAN cabling while waiting.

• Crew needed time to fabricate the pedestal for the VSAT antenna before installation could proceed.

• Relocation of Starlink pedestal required repositioning and drilling for new cable routing.

• Integration work demanded multiple remote support sessions for phone activation and VSAT commissioning.

• Engineer worked extended hours continuously (often 08:00–23:00) to complete the installation within the vessel’s timeline.

Work Completed

The attending engineer completed an end-to-end communication infrastructure deployment, including:

• Assembly of equipment rack and fabrication of LAN patch cords

• Peplink router setup and cable management as per network diagram

• Provision of temporary Starlink connectivity via equipment rack

• VSAT pedestal fabrication support and antenna securing (crew support)

• Cable routing from upper deck to communication cabinet

• VoIP phone installation, configuration, and remote activation

• Commissioning of VSAT with support from Global Satcoms

• Final validation of voice, data, and system performance

Summary of Activities

25 November 2025

• 08:30–23:00 – Travel from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Lianyungang (China)

26 November 2025

• Board vessel, assemble rack, fabricate LAN patch cords

• Await equipment delivery for installation

• Begin preparing systems for configuration

27 November 2025

• Peplink setup and structured cabling based on diagram

• Provided Starlink to rack for temporary use

• Crew completed pedestal fabrication for VSAT

• VSAT mounted and secured

• VoIP phone installed and IP configured

• Remote support granted for activation

• Phones placed at Captain’s office and bridge

28 November 2025

• Crew drilled new cable access route

• Starlink pedestal relocated

• VSAT and Starlink cabling routed and terminated

• VSAT commissioning with voice activation support

• Successful confirmation of VSAT connection

29 November 2025

• Validation of data and voice with Captain and IT Superintendent

• Housekeeping and disembarkation

System Status

Notes & Recommendations

• VSAT pedestal fabrication time should be pre-planned whenever possible to reduce waiting periods.

• Starlink relocation was successful; verification of long-term pedestal anchoring is advised.

• Systems are now stable; continued monitoring after departure is recommended as commissioning occurred close to vessel schedule.

Lessons Learned

• Equipment logistics impact workflow sequencing.
  Delayed delivery required alternative tasks to be prioritized first, minimizing downtime.

• Crew coordination is critical for mounting infrastructure.
  Pedestal fabrication timing determined installation progress.

• Remote support sessions should be scheduled proactively.
  VoIP activation and VSAT commissioning relied heavily on helpdesk availability.

• Temporary connectivity solutions maintain operational continuity.
  Providing Starlink from the rack ensured the vessel had service even before VSAT commissioning.

• Extended work periods require clear handover communications.
  Final checks with Captain and IT Superintendent ensured transparency and satisfaction.

Service Outcome

• Full installation and commissioning successfully completed across VSAT, Starlink relocation, Peplink configuration, and VoIP setups.

• All voice and data systems tested, validated, and accepted by the client.

• The vessel now operates on a robust and optimized communication platform supporting multiple redundancy paths.

• Work signed off by master and confirmed as delivered to expectations.