Use of Starlink Service in Chinese Waters: What Shipowners Need to Know
China has now moved from warnings to active enforcement against the unauthorized use of Starlink and other Low‑Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication equipment in its territorial waters. A series of recently documented cases, regulatory circulars, and maritime safety reports provide a clear message: foreign satellite systems may not be used within Chinese jurisdiction unless routed through approved domestic gateways and licensed under Chinese law.
This post summarizes the regulatory landscape and the implications for shipowners, operators, and crew—drawing directly from maritime authority reports, P&I circulars, and Chinese media coverage.
China’s First Enforcement Case: A Turning Point
In December 2025, the Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration investigated China’s first nationwide case of a foreign vessel illegally using a Starlink terminal.
Inspectors discovered a miniature matrix antenna inconsistent with standard GMDSS or distress‑communication equipment. Expert analysis confirmed it was a LEO satellite terminal continuously used since entering Chinese waters—bypassing domestic satellite gateway stations, a core violation under the Maritime Traffic Safety Law.
The case is further confirmed in a P&I circular issued in January 2026, noting that the investigation marked the first enforcement action of its kind in China, with potential fines reaching up to CNY 500,000 and possible suspension of seafarer competency certificates.
What the Law Requires: Key Regulatory Provisions
Across the documents, four legal pillars consistently emerge:
1. Maritime Traffic Safety Law – Article 24
Vessels operating in Chinese jurisdictional waters must route communications through officially recognized domestic coastal radio stations or satellite gateway stations.
2. Satellite Service Terminal Regulations – Article 28
Satellite communication services in China require formal regulatory approval. Unauthorized systems—including Starlink—are deemed non‑compliant by definition.
3. Radio Administration Regulations – Article 54 & Article 70
Foreign vessels must follow Chinese radio‑equipment rules when in Chinese waters.
Penalties include confiscation of equipment and fines up to CNY 500,000 for serious violations such as unauthorized radio transmission or unlicensed radio stations.
4. Maritime Traffic Safety Law – Article 101
Administrative penalties include monetary fines and sanctions against responsible seafarers, including certificate suspension for 1–3 months.
Why China is Taking a Harder Line
Chinese authorities see unauthorized LEO satellite communication as a national security concern—not simply a compliance issue.
Communication data transmitted through foreign satellite networks bypasses domestic oversight, creating:
Information‑security risks
Unmonitored cross‑border data flows
Potential exposure of port activity, navigational patterns, or restricted‑zone imagery
The Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration emphasized that the crackdown fills an enforcement gap and will serve as a national reference for future inspections and penalties.
Practical Implications for Vessel Operators
The Oasis P&I Circular (Oasis No. 2601) offers clear operational guidance to mitigate risks when approaching Chinese waters:
1. Device Management
Fully power off and physically disconnect Starlink or other LEO terminals before entering China’s EEZ (200 nm).
2. Documentation
Record shutdown actions—time, coordinates, responsible officer—in the deck logbook.
3. Crew Training
Ensure officers and crew understand the regulatory framework and can describe compliance steps during inspections.
4. Emergency Preparedness
Present documented evidence during inspections to demonstrate compliance.
These measures do not eliminate risk entirely, but they significantly reduce exposure to fines, equipment confiscation, or more serious accusations involving data security or espionage.
A Compliance Solution: Verifiable Recordkeeping
One of the uploaded documents highlights a practical mitigation approach: using a traceable reporting system to document compliance actions onboard.
The IDEVIATOR Platform (IDP) provides:
Early alerts before entering restricted zones
Automated reminders to disconnect prohibited systems
Verifiable logbook evidence of actions taken (e.g., Starlink shutdown records)
This supports operators in meeting Chinese regulatory expectations and offers assurance during inspections.
Conclusion: A New Compliance Reality
China’s enforcement actions send a sharp and unequivocal signal:
Unauthorized satellite communication—especially Starlink—will no longer be ignored.
Shipowners must proactively:
Understand and follow Chinese regulatory requirements
Train crews and implement auditable procedures
Physically disable and document disconnection of non‑approved systems
Recognize the intersection of satellite communication and national security
Failing to do so exposes both vessels and their crews to fines, certificate suspensions, confiscation of equipment, and—in extreme cases—criminal liability under China’s national security laws.
If you want to understand how these enforcement changes may affect your fleet — or if you’re looking at making your compliance routines digital, traceable and inspection‑ready — we’re here to help.
👉 Contact Jan Taudal at jt@sepcotech.com to discuss how we can support your operations.