CRITICAL MARITIME OPERATIONS
A medium-sized international maritime operator, possessing a mixed fleet of bulk carriers and oil tankers, regularly sails through isolated maritime zones, notably polar waters, open ocean routes, and regions lacking terrestrial infrastructure.
The operator places high importance on compliance with international maritime safety regulations, crew protection, and operational resilience, especially when navigating beyond areas covered by traditional communication systems.
The fleet relied on Inmarsat C systems to meet the requirements of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System).
Although these systems met basic regulatory requirements, several operational limitations were identified:
particularly beyond 70° latitude in polar regions.
making direct coordination impossible in an emergency.
leaving uncertainty during critical incidents.
As voyages extended into more isolated and high-risk areas, it became evident that the fleet required a more advanced, reliable, and truly global GMDSS solution to protect the crew and ensure regulatory continuity.
During a routine transit in the Arctic, a vessel experienced a total loss of communication as weather conditions deteriorated rapidly.
Located outside Inmarsat’s coverage, the crew was unable to send a distress alert via GMDSS or receive navigational safety warnings.
This incident resulted in a 12-hour communication blackout, exposing the crew to significant risks and delaying situational awareness ashore.
It highlighted the fleet’s vulnerability to incomplete GMDSS coverage, triggering an urgent review of the safety infrastructure.
The client selected Iridium GMDSS to modernize its fleet’s safety communications. This solution relies on Iridium’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, providing 100% global coverage, including in polar regions.
With automatic acknowledgment of receipt by the nearest Rescue Coordination Center (RCC).
Allowing real-time communication with maritime rescue authorities.
Such as weather reports and navigational warnings.
Installations were carried out across the entire fleet with minimal disruption, integrating seamlessly with existing bridge systems and complying with the GMDSS modernization requirements set by the IMO.
Vessels now have continuous GMDSS coverage, regardless of their route or position.
Voice capability and distress alert acknowledgment significantly reduced communication delays.
The fleet fully complies with the updated IMO GMDSS standards.
Modern, compact terminals reduce maintenance needs and facilitate onboard integration.
Access to real-time assistance reinforces confidence in the onboard safety systems.
The LT-4200S GMDSS is a SOLAS-compliant satellite communication system, designed to meet the latest GMDSS requirements via the Iridium NEXT® network, offering worldwide coverage including the polar areas.
Compact and requiring no message terminal or printer, it provides all mandatory GMDSS services: distress alerting, high-quality voice (up to 3 channels), Maritime Safety Information (MSI), GNSS/GPS positioning, and IP connectivity up to 176 kbps.
The device is also compatible with ECDIS and BAM systems, and transmits position data via NMEA 0183.
Its installation is simple, with an antenna that can be deployed up to away. An optional module (LT-3140S) allows for the addition of LRIT and SSAS functions, meeting the regulatory needs of merchant vessels.
For operators seeking additional resilience and enhanced connectivity, the Iridium GMDSS system can be complemented by Iridium Certus®. This optional integration offers:
For bridge systems and safety data
In the event of VSAT or primary system failure.
Including secure internet access and email.
Together, Iridium GMDSS + Certus offers a unified, robust, and scalable solution for maritime communication and safety in the world’s most isolated and demanding regions.
Is your fleet ready for the next-generation maritime safety requirements?
Upgrade to Iridium GMDSS for true global coverage, voice emergency response, and uncompromising compliance. Strengthen your fleet’s safety infrastructure today, wherever you conduct your operations.
