Marlink successfully completed the world's first upgrade of an Iridium Certus Intellian C700 terminal to a fully operational GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) on the marine supply vessel Fugro Revelation. This project demonstrates that vessels can update their safety communications without the cost, complexity, or disruption associated with new installations.
Enhancing Maritime Safety Communications
This upgrade strengthens safety communications on the Fugro Revelation vessel at a time when geopolitical uncertainties and GNSS signal interference have increased the need for maritime safety systems. GMDSS services are provided through the existing Intellian C700 platform on the vessel, including emergency alerts, safety voice, and maritime safety information (MSI) via Iridium SafetyCast®, as well as commercial voice and data communications.
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Technical Details of the Upgrade
Marlink, in collaboration with Intellian Technologies and Iridium Communications, has gathered the necessary expertise in satellite services, terminal technology, and marine installation to deliver and implement the upgraded system for Fugro. MED and MER type approval documents specify that existing C700 terminals can be upgraded to SOLAS-approved GMDSS systems. In this upgrade, the existing Intellian C700 units were retained above and below deck, and a safety display terminal, phone, and approved installation components were added to the ship's bridge.
This project reduces installation time and complexity while minimizing disruption to operations by limiting extensive physical changes to the vessel. Tore Morten Olsen, Head of Maritime at Marlink, emphasized the importance of safety communications, stating, "This project shows how proven technologies and specialized expertise can enhance safety communications."
Wouter Deknopper, Vice President and General Manager of Iridium Maritime, highlighted the benefits of this upgrade, describing the project as a practical pathway to modernizing existing infrastructure in the maritime industry.
The upgraded C700 system, in addition to safety functions, supports three simultaneous non-GMDSS voice lines and commercial data communications, and can be configured and tested for Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) if activated.
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