Hamburg, Germany – September 04, 2026 -- Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. will offer a new SOLION-100 terminal built on Iridium Certus 100 technology, combining GMDSS, Ship Security Alert System and Long-Range Identification and Tracking capabilities into a single platform for newbuild and retrofit vessels.
Furuno adds Iridium GMDSS to its maritime safety portfolio
The announcement, made jointly with Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), gives shipowners and shipyards an additional certified option for regulated maritime distress and safety communications equipment.
Iridium GMDSS became first new satellite GMDSS provider since 2020
Iridium GMDSS entered service in 2020 after recognition by the International Maritime Organization, marking the first new provider of satellite GMDSS services since the system was established. The service runs on Iridium's low-Earth orbit satellite network, delivering global coverage including the polar regions.
SOLION-100 rollout targets retrofit market in late 2026, newbuild in 2027
Furuno expects the SOLION-100 to be commercially available for retrofit applications in late 2026, with newbuild project availability following in 2027.
Terminal integrates distress alerting with direct rescue communications
The system supports a single-button distress alert transmitting vessel identification, status and position, alongside Safety Voice functionality that lets crews communicate directly with a Rescue Coordination Center. It also receives navigational and meteorological warnings via Iridium SafetyCast.
Kiyoshi Furuno, Head of Marine Electronic Products Division at Furuno, said the SOLION-100 strengthens the company's safety communications lineup by pairing LEO satellite GMDSS technology with existing Furuno navigation and communications systems. Wouter Deknopper, Iridium's vice president and general manager for maritime, said the partnership gives shipowners and shipyards another route to equip vessels with reliable safety communications, including in polar regions.
Iridium is exhibiting the terminal this week at SMM Hamburg, booth Hall B6 Stand 313.