Marlink delivers world-first Intellian C700 upgrade to Iridium GMDSS for Fugro

Oslo and Paris, 13.10.2026. Marlink has completed a world-first upgrade of an existing Intellian C700 Iridium Certus terminal to a fully commissioned Iridium GMDSS system, aboard offshore supply ship Fugro Revelation. The project shows ships can modernise their safety communications without the cost, complexity or disruption of a new installation. The upgrade strengthens communications resilience aboard Fugro Revelation at a time when geopolitical uncertainty and GNSS signal interference are placing greater demands on maritime safety systems.

Delivered in partnership with Intellian Technologies and Iridium Communications, the project demonstrates a practical route to modernise safety communications by adding new capabilities to existing systems. Access to Iridium GMDSS services is provided through the vessel’s existing Intellian C700 platform, including Distress Alert, Safety Voice and Maritime Safety Information (MSI) via Iridium SafetyCast®, alongside commercial voice and data connectivity.

Marlink brought together the satellite service, terminal technology and maritime installation expertise required to deliver and commission the upgraded system for Fugro. The project reflects Marlink’s wider approach to helping ship owners and operators strengthen the resilience, integration and long-term manageability of their safety communications.

Crucially, MED & MER Type Approval documents specify that existing C700 terminals can be upgraded to SOLAS approved GMDSS Systems. For the upgrade, the vessel’s existing Intellian C700 above-deck and below-deck units were retained. A Safety Display Terminal, handset and approved installation components were added to the bridge, while the standard SIM card was replaced with an Iridium GMDSS SIM card. By retaining the existing antenna and associated cabling, the upgrade avoided more extensive physical modifications to the vessel, reducing installation time, complexity and disruption to operations.

Iridium GMDSS provides global maritime distress and safety communications over Iridium’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) network, including polar coverage, and is recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for GMDSS.

In addition to its safety functions, the upgraded C700 supports three simultaneous non-GMDSS voice lines and commercial data connectivity. This provides non-GMDSS voice lines and non-GMDSS data that can be used for Out Of Band Management (OOBM) or as a resilient back up to other comms systems onboard. The system can also support Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), subject to activation, configuration and testing.

The successful upgrade provides Fugro with a simpler and more integrated approach to maritime safety communications, while demonstrating how Marlink can help other operators modernise existing onboard systems without unnecessary replacement, cost or disruption.

For further information, please contact:

Nur DULIN, Chief Marketing Officer
E: nur.dulin@marlink.com

About Marlink

For companies operating in the world’s most challenging environments - from merchant vessels to offshore and onshore energy operations, and humanitarian organisations to cruise ships and superyachts - Marlink creates and delivers possibilities, anywhere.

Marlink is a managed service provider and global leader in remote ICT solutions with annual revenues surpassing $800 million and 1,700 employees operating in more than 30 countries.

Our Possibility Portfolio brings together Connectivity, Network, Cybersecurity, Cloud & IT, and IIoT & Applications. Enabled by the Marlink Possibility Platform and supported by professional services, global operations and local delivery teams, these managed solutions help customers work smarter and operate more effectively, safely and sustainably.

As a global company with a local focus, we help make tomorrow’s possibilities today’s realities.

For further information please visit  www.marlink.com. 

About Intellian Technologies

Intellian Technologies Inc. (KOSDAQ: 189300) is a global leader in satellite connectivity solutions, enabling reliable communications across land, sea, air, and space. Since its founding in 2004, Intellian has delivered end-to-end systems tailored to the evolving needs of the mobility, energy, defense, government, and enterprise sectors. 

Driven by customer insight and emerging market demands, Intellian develops advanced technologies that support mission-critical operations and open new market opportunities. Its product portfolio includes flat panel and parabolic terminals, integrated gateways, and platform-level solutions designed for both commercial and defense applications - all with a focus on multi-orbit compatibility and next-generation satellite networks. Throughout continuous investment in R&D and global field operations, Intellian empowers organizations worldwide to stay agile, informed, and connected. 

For more information, please visit: www.intelliantech.com

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) operates the world's only truly global mobile satellite network. It serves as a platform for innovation, enabling voice, data, and messaging, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), and aircraft surveillance services anywhere on Earth. Through its satellite constellation and integrated capabilities like Aireon, the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system, Iridium delivers services that support safety-focused operations across aviation, maritime, government, industrial, and consumer markets. The company is a leader in satellite Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and is advancing direct-to-device (D2D) communications based on open standards to expand access to satellite services.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium innovates through an ecosystem of more than 500 technology and distribution partners, serving millions of customers worldwide. For more information visit www.iridium.com.