Can New Technology Finally Solve Polar Region Communication Gaps?
Oct 22, 2025
The maritime communications industry has witnessed a significant advancement with the introduction of cutting-edge safety systems designed to protect vessels across all oceans. Intellian Technologies, in collaboration with Iridium Communications Inc., has unveiled its latest Iridium Certus GMDSS Systems, marking a new era in maritime safety technology. These innovative solutions promise to deliver unprecedented reliability and global reach, addressing the critical safety needs of the international maritime community. The launch represents a major milestone in the ongoing evolution of marine communication systems and safety protocols.
Certus GMDSS system. Credit: Intellian Technologies
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally required safety system which was created by the International Maritime Organization as a means to improve safety at sea. This system modernises and automates the communications of ships at sea in case of emergencies in place of the older systems that were manual distress radio monitors. Over 80,000 vessels worldwide are required to be GMDSS compliant so that distressed ships can immediately transmit their location and condition to Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres. GMDSS has significantly enhanced the efficiency and probability of survival in the sea by combining satellite technology, digital selective calling and automated distress alerting to improve search and rescue efforts all over the world.
Advanced System Specifications
The new systems that have been introduced are the C200M and C700M GMDSS Systems that are both designed to utilize the full potential of the Iridium Certus network. Already the C200M GMDSS System has attained significant regulatory milestones, having obtained the Marine Equipment Directive Wheelmark and the UK Marine Equipment Regulations Red Ensign. The certification ensures the system complies with the stringent international standards of maritime safety equipment. The certification procedure confirms the system as reliable and in line with the necessary safety provisions that control marine communications.
Intellian C700 Terminal. Credit: Intellian Technologies
The unique feature of these systems is that they offer true global coverage and even in the polar areas where the conventional maritime communication systems fail or cannot work at all. The C700 GMDSS System is a unique product in the marketplace as it is specifically developed on the basis of the Iridium Certus 700 service. It is a sophisticated platform that combines several important functions into one terminal such as GMDSS capabilities, Long Range Identification and Tracking, Ship Security Alert System functionality, and reliable L-band connectivity to business data and voice services. With this extensive integration, there is no necessity of numerous individual systems and the installation is simplified while equipment complexity is reduced. This all-in-one design significantly reduces installation time while ensuring consistent performance and operational reliability across all maritime environments.
User-Focused Design Features
The C200M GMDSS System has a complete package with an antenna, Below Deck Unit, and a dedicated Safety Display Terminal with an easy to use interface specifically aimed at ease of use when facing an emergency situation. The essential safety aspects like one-touch Distress Alert, Safety Voice communications and Maritime Safety Information are designed to be very easy and simple to use, such that crewmembers are able to have rapid communication with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers when time is of the essence. The design philosophy is geared towards high response capabilities since the emergency situation requires immediate response without any technical complexities.
Intellian C200 Terminal. Credit: Intellian Technologies
In addition to their major safety services, the two systems offer non-GMDSS data and voice services which make them the perfect L-band complements to the already installed Flat Panel or VSAT systems on vessels. This multifunctional capability establishes useful redundancy and robust communication routes, which will allow the connectivity at all times even in cases when main systems are not functioning smoothly. These systems are dual-purpose, which enhances their value proposition to the fullest extent, enabling the vessel operators to integrate their communication system without compromising the safety standards.
Industry Perspectives and Future Development
In the past two decades, Intellian Technologies emerged as a global leader in satellite communication systems in maritime, enterprise, and government. The company began as a specialty manufacturer of antennas in South Korea, and has since grown to be a full-fledged provider of end-to-end satellite communication, including maritime VSAT, military and government communications, and has most recently introduced state-of-the-art GMDSS systems. With manufacturing plants and offices around the world, Intellian offers services to its customers in the fields of commercial shipping, cruise lines, offshore energy, fishing fleets, and military vessels. Its history of designing excellence and stability has enabled it to be the tool of choice of large satellite operators and maritime institutions that want to find a reliable communication tool in difficult marine environments.
The company has more than 20 years of experience as a trusted brand in marine communications and is proud of working with Iridium in bringing this groundbreaking service into the market. The new solutions are the result of the long-term experience in the market and the level of competence of Iridium Certus GMDSS to deliver the safety systems that the maritime community can trust. As stated by the representatives of Iridium Communications, such systems are an example of partners fulfilling the promise of the GMDSS services and allowing the maritime community to receive this crucial safety service through reliable and convenient hardware. This collaboration shows how the industry can successfully collaborate to overcome maritime safety issues over the years. It also highlights the growing importance of innovation and cooperation in advancing global maritime safety standards.
In the future, Intellian will launch a C100M GMDSS System within the next few months that will increase its scope of integrated solutions to Iridium Certus GMDSS. The company is also working hard on other radio equipment such as MF/HF and VHF equipment to meet all the requirements of GMDSS. These Iridium Certus GMDSS solutions eliminate the historical limitations to maritime safety communications, especially in remote and polar areas where the conventional coverage has been insufficient. Due to the growing needs of connectivity and safety in the maritime sector, the collaboration of technology giants such as Intellian and satellite providers such as Iridium will become more important in safeguarding seafarers and guaranteeing safe passage of vessels across the globe.
