Cosco Shipping Upgrades Fleet Safety with Iridium's Advanced GMDSS System

Cosco Shipping Upgrades Fleet Safety with Iridium's Advanced GMDSS System
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 13, 2024

Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) has reported that Cosco Shipping (CSSC), the leading commercial fleet globally with 1,417 vessels, has initiated the integration of Iridium Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) terminals across its ships. The installation of the Lars Thrane LT-3100S terminal on the vessel Cosco Tengfei signifies CSSC's commitment to the paramount safety of its crew, ships, and cargoes.

As a critical component of the global supply chain, maritime transport necessitates reliable distress and safety communication systems, independent of vessel location. The Cosco Tengfei, a state-of-the-art Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) with the capacity to transport up to 5,000 vehicles, exemplifies CSSC's global operational scope, transporting vehicles from Chinese manufacturers worldwide.

Iridium's GMDSS now bolsters Cosco Tengfei's mission with comprehensive global coverage, enabling distress alerts, safety voice communications, maritime safety information, alongside cost-efficient installation and operational costs. Additionally, the LT-3100S terminal's integration of Long-Range Identification Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) capabilities are vital for operations in polar regions, where previous GMDSS solutions were inadequate.

CSSC's Director of Telecom and Navigation Department, Mr. Xiaofeng Guo, shared his enthusiasm for the Iridium GMDSS deployment on the Cosco Tengfei, highlighting the system's enhancement of safety service capabilities at sea, including in the Arctic Ocean region. Plans are in place to equip more vessels navigating Arctic routes with Iridium GMDSS systems throughout 2024.

Iridium's Vice President and General Manager of Maritime, Wouter Deknopper, remarked on the significant endorsement the Iridium GMDSS service has received from Cosco Shipping, noting CSSC's recognition of the system's value.

With CSSC's expansion into polar and other isolated areas, Iridium GMDSS guarantees the availability of modern GMDSS services for their fleet. Since the service's introduction, a wide array of maritime vessels, including merchant ships, military and government fleets, super-yachts, and leisure craft, have adopted Iridium GMDSS, consistently receiving positive feedback for revolutionizing maritime safety services.

Cosco Shipping's adoption of Iridium GMDSS for the Cosco Tengfei highlights the company's unwavering commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of its crew, vessels, and cargo amid the complex challenges of the maritime sector.