Furuno Electric Co. will add Iridium Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (Iridium GMDSS) services to its maritime communications portfolio with the introduction of the SOLION-100 terminal, built on Iridium Certus 100 technology.
The terminal combines GMDSS, Ship Security Alert System and Long-Range Identification and Tracking functions in a single platform and is intended for both newbuild and retrofit vessel applications.
Iridium GMDSS uses the company’s low-Earth orbit satellite network to provide regulated distress and safety communications worldwide, including in polar regions. The service entered operation in 2020 after receiving recognition from the International Maritime Organization.
“Furuno has been committed to supporting safer navigation at sea for decades, and maritime safety remains at the heart of what we do,” said Kiyoshi Furuno, head of Furuno’s Marine electronic products division and general manager of its sales management department. “The new SOLION-100 terminal for Iridium GMDSS allows us to strengthen our safety communications portfolio and provide customers with LEO satellite GMDSS technology alongside the Furuno navigation and communications systems they already rely on.”
Iridium GMDSS capabilities
The system allows crews to receive navigational and meteorological warnings through Iridium SafetyCast and to transmit distress alerts containing a vessel’s identification, status and position. Its Safety Voice function enables direct communication with a rescue coordination center.
“Furuno has a long history of supporting maritime safety, and its addition of Iridium GMDSS brings together that expertise with the global coverage of the Iridium network,” said Wouter Deknopper, vice president and general manager of maritime at Iridium. “Together, we are giving shipowners and shipyards another way to equip vessels with reliable maritime safety communications, including in the polar regions.”
Availability
Furuno expects the SOLION-100 to become commercially available for retrofit installations in late 2026. Availability for newbuild projects is expected to follow in 2027.
