Iridium GMDSS terminal, the Lars Thrane LT-3100S. Photo: Iridium

Iridium Communications partner Marlink has extended its partnership with Soremar Group to provide the Iridium Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) services and Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). Iridium said in a Tuesday announcement that this extension will provide safety and vessel management services to fishing operators in North Africa. 

Iridium’s GMDSS system, which debuted in late 2020, is a real-time maritime emergency service. It combines Distress Alert, Safety Voice, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI) in one terminal, making the service more accessible to smaller vessels in terms of size and price. 

Marlink and Soremar previously worked together to create a portal that can be used by shoreside teams to track fishing vessels at sea and send and receive vessel positions and fleet overview. This expanded collaboration enables fishing operators in North Africa to do this over the Iridium network, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements. 

“The inclusion of Iridium GMDSS and VMS services enables Soremar customers to embrace digitalization and value-added services that can improve safety and efficiency at sea,” commented Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Iridium. “Marlink continues to provide specialized services and world class support to their customers seeking truly global connectivity solutions that only Iridium can enable.”

Iridium’s GMDSS service is a 2020 Satellite Technology of the Year nominee.