Cosco Shipping (CSSC) will begin installing Iridium Communications hardware on its fleet of 1,417 commercial vessels following a new comprehensive deal. 

The satellite communications company said its “Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)” terminals would boost crew and cargo safety onboard the ships “irrespective of [the] vessel’s location”. 

The first CSSC vessel to have the hardware fitted was the Cosco Tengfei, a Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) ship, with capacity for 5,000 vehicles. It is now equipped with the Lars Thrane LT-3100S terminal. 

The “all-in-one” tool is the hub of Iridium services, and boasts “truly global coverage” via the firm’s satellite systems. 

“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,” Iridium claimed. 

The coverage promise was a clear driver for the Chinese shipping firm, as its telecom and navigation director Xiaofeng Guo. 

“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," he said. 

Wouter Deknopper, vice president of Maritime at Iridium, said: "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 value of the full-sleet agreement was not made public.