We have obtained information from our China correspondent, Oasis P&I Services Company Limited, regarding the regulatory requirements and a recent penalty case concerning the use of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication services such as Starlink in Chinese waters.

In December 2025, the Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration conducted an investigation into a foreign vessel for using Starlink equipment, marking the first such case in China.

Under Chinese laws and regulations, the use of unauthorized satellite communication equipment or the failure to route communication data through Chinese domestic satellite gateway stations constitutes a violation. Accordingly, such violations may be subject to administrative penalties, including heavy fines (which could reach CNY500,000 or more), the suspension of seafarers' competency certificates, and the confiscation of equipment.

For details, please find the attached circular from Oasis P&I Services Company Limited.