Elcome International has introduced a high-speed internet service which is changing how ship managers provide internet access at sea. Over 30,000 seafarers have already used the pay-as-you-go service since its launch in September 2024.
In particular, the ‘WELCOME’ Maritime Wi-Fi allows crews to access high-speed, low-latency internet with flexible data options, including purchasing data packs or monthly plans starting from US$1.65 per gigabyte. This service eliminates the need for ship managers to invest in expensive infrastructure or manage internet vouchers and access codes, and it does not impose restrictions on usage.
With the installation of Elcome’s plug-and-play hardware kit, crew members can connect to the WELCOME.online Wi-Fi hotspot, create an account, and choose an internet package. Once selected, they receive an access code that can be used on multiple devices.
The system supports up to 10,000 Wi-Fi or LAN-connected devices simultaneously and can deliver bandwidth exceeding 2Gbps. All ship types benefit from an isolated internet service that works alongside existing ship communications, leaving the ship’s network available for operational use. This setup also improves cyber security.
The WELCOME system is designed to be easy to install and activate, with no capital or operational costs involved. Installation can be completed in less than a day.
Elcome’s Managing Director, Jimmy Grewal, highlighted that by providing crews with independent, high-speed internet access, they experience a better quality of life at sea. He pointed to the Seafarer Happiness Index (SHI) as evidence that quality internet is now seen as essential for seafarer well-being, and that poor connectivity negatively impacts morale.
The SHI report from February 2025 indicated that internet issues, such as infrastructure problems and bandwidth limitations, have worsened. These issues are a key factor contributing to seafarer dissatisfaction, with the Mission to Seafarers emphasizing the need for improved internet quality to combat isolation.
Furthermore, the SEAFiT Crew survey of 2023 highlighted the crucial significance of the internet in maintaining the well-being of crew members. An overwhelming 91% of respondents emphasized the vital need for excellent internet access to uphold connections and communicate with their families
Recent amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which took effect in December 2024, mandate that vessels provide regular and reliable internet access to improve seafarer mental health and work-life balance.
Grewal noted that affordable, high-speed connectivity is vital for crew welfare and that WELCOME provides a solution to this need, ensuring that ships remain compliant with MLC standards during inspections.
Elcome offers the WELCOME Pro kit, including a Starlink terminal, a network switch, high-performance Wi-Fi access points, and the WELCOME Gateway, at no cost to qualifying vessels.
