Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) has announced Cosco Shipping (CSSC), the world’s largest fleet of commercial vessels with 1,417 ships, has started installation of Iridium® Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) terminals — the recent installation of the Lars Thrane LT-3100S terminal on the Cosco Tengfei.
Maritime transportation plays a pivotal role in the global economy, and shipping companies require confidence in their distress and safety communications, irrespective of their vessel’s location. The Cosco Tengfei is a modern Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessel capable of transporting as many as 5,000 vehicles. The vessel operates globally, facilitating the transportation of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers to destinations around the world.
Iridium GMDSS provides unmatched support for Cosco Tengfei’s mission with its truly global coverage, distress alert, safety voice, maritime safety information, and cost-effective implementation and operation. These capabilities, along with Long-Range Identification Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) support built into the LT-3100S, extend to polar waters where CSSC’s incumbent GMDSS coverage fell short.
Mr. Xiaofeng Guo, Director of Telecom and Navigation Department at CSSC, said, “I am glad to witness the moment of the first Iridium GMDSS system deployment on a CSSC vessel, the ‘COSCO TENGFEI.’ Iridium GMDSS will greatly enhance her safety service capabilities while sailing on the ocean. It also serves as a good demonstration that the CSSC Fleet can operate in the Arctic Ocean region. We expect to deploy more Iridium GMDSS systems on those Arctic-route vessels during 2024.”
Wouter Deknopper, Vice President and General Manager of Maritime at Iridium, said, “This is a major validation of the Iridium GMDSS service. Cosco Shipping is the world’s largest shipping fleet, and CSSC understands the value proposition that Iridium GMDSS delivers.” Deknopper continued, “As CSSC’s operations expand into polar and other remote regions, Iridium GMDSS ensures that their vessels have the most modern GMDSS service available. Since its launch, we have experienced a massive increase in vessels installing Iridium GMDSS, including merchant ships, military/government, super-yachts, and even small leisure craft. The feedback is universal from the maritime industry, that Iridium GMDSS is the evolution of maritime safety services.”