Jan De Nul standardises its safety systems

Iridium GMDSS is a global GMDSS solution enabling rapid safety-of-life response, an added pull for Jan De Nul is that it offers integrated voice services.

“Jan De Nul plans to roll out Iridium GMDSS in all retrofits and newly built vessels,” said Nils Crabeel, communication & network officer, Jan De Nul Group.

“Having LRIT and SSAS alongside GMDSS in one terminal is an important advantage – as is both safety and non-safety voice capabilities.”

Integrated capability

Developed by Iridium partner Lars Thrane, the LT-3100S is the first Iridium GMDSS terminal. A small and lightweight system, the LT-3100S is an affordable option for any vessel requiring satellite communications, where it can serve as the primary shipboard communications solution or solely as a GMDSS system.

“Jan De Nul is a powerhouse in this industry and we are honored that they are equipping their fleet with Iridium GMDSS,” said Wouter Deknopper, vice president of maritime at Iridium.

“Iridium GMDSS has seen great success in the market due to its integrated, truly global capability, providing all three services – distress alert, safety voice and maritime safety information, in one terminal. Along with our Iridium Certus service, it has played a major role in our continued growth and leadership position for reliable maritime satcom.”

GMDSS is an internationally regulated service that provides life-saving assistance to mariners in distress. It is a required service for all Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) class vessels, many of which have had to carry multiple terminals to meet varying communications needs.

Iridium GMDSS offers global coverage, even in Arctic and Antarctic waters and delivers all three key GMDSS services – distress alert, distress voice and maritime safety information (MSI). All services are delivered through one terminal and harness the power of Iridium’s global, weather resilient L-band satellite connectivity. 

In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new specialty broadband service, Iridium Certus. 

Jan De Nul owns and operates a large, versatile and modern fleet of dredging and offshore installation vessels. Its activities include maintaining the depth of rivers and canals, expanding existing ports and building new ones.