Intellian Technologies, a provider of satellite communications technology and solutions, and Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a next-generation GMDSS safety terminal for use on Inmarsat's ELERA L-band network.
The new safety terminals will serve as the standard Inmarsat Maritime product for the next-generation Fleet Safety service and will meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO) demands and performance standards as part of a range of maritime SOLAS-approved shipborne equipment including Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system, and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).
Intellian's GMDSS terminal will aid in considerably improving the safety of life for the world's 1.9 million mariners at sea and will be one of the biggest technological developments in safety services since the debut of Inmarsat-C in 1991. The new safety terminal will bring a digital era of safety services, enhancing both preventative and reactive communications.
The terminal includes a Distress Chat function among its expanded capabilities, in addition to providing reliable access to Fleet Safety services, which include a unique Maritime Safety Information interface.
"Our next-generation terminal will vastly improve the safety of lives at sea for the 1.9 million seafarers and over 20 million passengers annually protected by the International Maritime Organization's policies. For our customers from shipyards to those going through a system upgrade, they'll be able to have a complete Intellian solution on board," stated Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian Technologies.
In case of an emergency on board, this feature instantly informs the nearest Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), guaranteeing quick and coordinated response operations. It also alerts adjacent vessels, forming a network of help during emergency situations.
"Intellian has been a trusted partner of Inmarsat in advancing maritime communications, and we are excited to collaborate with them on the new Inmarsat Fleet Safety GMDSS terminal. This development represents a significant milestone in enhancing the safety of seafarers & passengers worldwide, and it underscores Inmarsat's commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for the maritime industry and protecting lives at sea," stated Peter Broadhurst, senior vice president of Safety & Regulatory at Inmarsat Maritime.
