Rendering of the next-generation Intellian Maritime Safety Terminal. Photo: Intellian

Intellian Technologies has signed an MoU with Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, to develop a next-generation terminal for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) service. GMDSS is an international maritime safety system that Inmarsat is a satellite provider for. 

The companies did not share a target date for the new terminal’s availability, but the new safety terminals will become the standard Inmarsat Maritime product for the next generation Fleet Safety service. The terminal will be designed to operate over Inmarsat’s Elera L-band network and meet the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

The companies said it will be a significant technological advancement in safety services and improve both preventative and reactive communications. In addition to offering Fleet Safety services, the terminal features a distress chat function which automatically alerts the nearest Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and nearby vessels. 

“We’re particularly proud of the development of this new GMDSS terminal and to have been entrusted by Inmarsat to develop this major innovation to their maritime safety portfolio,” commented Intellian CEO Eric Sung. “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.”