Iridium’s satellite network will be used to monitor fishing vessels and for emergency communications after a distributor partnership is extended
Marlink and Soremar extended their co-operation to increase communications options for North African fishing vessel operators. This agreement enables Soremar clients, companies operating fishing vessels in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, to access vessel monitoring systems (VMS) using Iridium’s L-band communications.
The North African fishing vessels can also install Iridium’s new Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) communications through this partnership enabling them to stay connected and compliant, while providing communications during an emergency.
Marlink and Soremar previously collaborated to create a portal used by shoreside teams to track fishing vessels at sea. Since the end of 2020, Soremar has held state licences to provide security solutions for the Iridium satellite network via Marlink. This is now commercially available to Soremar’s extensive portfolio of fishing customers in Morocco and neighbouring countries, allowing these teams to send and receive vessel positions and fleet overviews to meet regulatory requirements.
“Fishing operators in North Africa focus on safety compliance and the optimisation of their potential catch, so the ability to combine mandated safety services with digital tools is an obvious advantage,” said Soremar group managing director Dounia Gnaou.
“The high number of alerts received via GMDSS every year is a testament to the value of this service to our customers operating in harsh environments.”
Marlink president for maritime Tore Morten Olsen said providing tailored services to Soremar customers requires the “utmost flexibility and agility in connectivity plans”.
“Enhanced provision of VMS and GMDSS services enables Soremar customers to further explore and embrace digitalisation and value-added services that can improve profitability moving forward,” said Mr Olsen.
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