OneWeb Antenna Replacement on a Tanker in Rotterdam: Intellian OW11FM

Project overview

In September 2026 Satcenter replaced the OneWeb low-earth-orbit (LEO) antenna on a tanker in the Port of Rotterdam. The existing user terminal had failed and was exchanged for a new Intellian OW11FM, the flat-panel OneWeb terminal designed for maritime use.

The job was planned around the vessel's port call. While the replacement antenna was still on its way, our engineer used an early attendance to prepare the mast, so the final installation could be finished in a single visit once the unit arrived.

Scope of work

Decommissioning the old antenna

Once port access had been arranged with the ship's agent, our engineer boarded the vessel and:

• decommissioned and removed the faulty OneWeb antenna

• checked the existing mount and cable route on the mast

• prepared the installation area for the replacement unit

Doing this before the new antenna was delivered cut the time needed on the installation day.

Installing the Intellian OW11FM

When the replacement antenna had arrived on board, the installation was completed in one working session:

• Intellian OW11FM mounted on the prepared position

• antenna cables secured along the mast

• connector end sealed against moisture and salt

• set-up wizard completed on the modem

Testing and handover

Connectivity was tested on board and worked as expected. The service provider then checked the system remotely, found it in good order and confirmed the job as completed from their side. The captain signed off the service report, with no re-attendance needed.

Result

• faulty OneWeb antenna replaced with a new Intellian OW11FM

• cabling secured and connectors sealed for long-term reliability

• modem set-up completed and connectivity verified

• job approved by the service provider, system fully operational

• photos and documentation delivered for the vessel's records

Working around a busy port call

Port attendance in Rotterdam depends on terminal security, agent registration and the delivery of spare parts, and these rarely line up perfectly. By preparing the mast in advance and staying in close contact with the agent, we kept the vessel's downtime on OneWeb to a minimum.

Satcenter installs, replaces and services OneWeb, Starlink and VSAT systems on vessels in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Istanbul and other ports. Contact us when your vessel needs an antenna replaced during its next port call.