Maritime safety regulations are entering a transformative era. Over the past decade, rapid advances in satellite technology and tightening IMO and EU directives have reshaped how vessels communicate and safeguard their crews. Reliable, always-on connectivity is no longer a differentiator — it has become a regulatory necessity.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) remains the backbone of maritime emergency communications. Introduced under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, GMDSS ensures that any ship in distress can instantly transmit an alert to shore authorities and nearby vessels, triggering coordinated rescue operations.
All cargo ships above 300 GT and all passenger vessels on international voyages must carry approved GMDSS equipment, integrating satellite and terrestrial networks for distress alerting, position reporting, and the dissemination of Maritime Safety Information (MSI).
Originally developed in the 1980s, this global framework is now being reimagined for the digital age. Enhanced by satellite broadband and network-integrated services, GMDSS now enables faster data exchange, continuous connectivity, and greater interoperability between ship and shore. Reflecting this trend, the European maritime-safety-systems market is projected to grow from roughly USD 9.4 billion in 2024 to nearly USD 19.8 billion by 2035, driven by digitalisation and satellite adoption.
The Unveiling at Europort 2025: Introducing WaveLINK
Against this backdrop, Thales Defense & Security, Inc., a division of the Thales Group and long-time innovator in maritime communications, unveiled WaveLINK, a next-generation GMDSS-enabled terminal. Developed in collaboration with North Invent, which contributed to the design and processing architecture of the WaveLINK panel, and powered by the Iridium Certus satellite network, the system represents a major leap in the evolution of maritime safety technology.
WaveLINK at the IEC Telecom stand during Europort 2025 marked a milestone event — bringing together Thales’ engineering expertise, North Invent’s design precision, Iridium’s global coverage, and IEC Telecom’s integration capabilities. Visitors witnessed the unveiling of an advanced prototype that combines full GMDSS functionality with flexible architecture, designed to complement existing Iridium Certus terminals already in service worldwide.
WaveLINK integrates mandatory safety features — distress alerting, safety voice, MSI, LRIT, and SSAS — within a single resilient terminal. Its OpenBridge-based interface ensures intuitive use and seamless integration into modern digital bridge systems, aligning with the industry’s ongoing transition toward connected operations.
Steve Noel, Vice President – Satcom Solutions, Thales Defense & Security, Inc
More Than Compliance: A Digital Co-Pilot at Sea
Unlike conventional GMDSS terminals that remain dormant until an emergency occurs, WaveLINK is built for continuous use. Beyond its regulatory role, it supports day-to-day operational tasks, acting as a digital co-pilot on the bridge. Industry-specific modules, such as fish-catch reporting and search-and-rescue coordination, are already in development, alongside future integrations tailored to evolving operational needs.
“Our goal was to reimagine GMDSS equipment as more than an emergency lifeline,” explained Steve Noel, Vice President – Satcom Solutions, Thales Defense & Security, Inc. “WaveLINK is scalable by design and ready to host digital services across Iridium’s reliable network. By combining safety, connectivity, and intelligence within one platform, we are transforming the mostly dormant GMDSS terminal into a true co-pilot at sea.”
Alf Stian Mauritz, Group Chief Strategy Officer, IEC Telecom Group
IEC Telecom: Enabling Seamless Integration
For IEC Telecom Group, which has delivered advanced connectivity and managed communication systems to the maritime sector for over three decades, the collaboration with Thales on WaveLINK exemplifies its ongoing commitment to enhancing efficiency and safety at sea.
“The addition of WaveLINK aligns perfectly with our service-driven portfolio,” said Alf Stian Mauritz, Group Chief Strategy Officer, IEC Telecom Group. “IEC Telecom specialises in comprehensive communication systems that go beyond core functionality to bring tangible value on board. As a long-standing partner of Thales, we are proud to host this unveiling and be the first to present this new solution to the market.”
When combined with Starlink, which delivers high-speed broadband for data-intensive applications, and VesseLINK, which ensures resilient L-band connectivity via Iridium Certus, WaveLINK adds a vital GMDSS layer — completing a future-ready safety and connectivity package.
Together, these systems create a multi-layered communications ecosystem: high-speed LEO connectivity for digital operations and welfare, continuous L-band resilience for back-up and distress alerts, and centralised monitoring for operational continuity. IEC Telecom’s OptiView and Traksat platforms further enhance this setup with real-time network management, analytics, and cybersecurity safeguards.
Accessible by Design
Accessibility and scalability are key considerations in the WaveLINK concept. The system introduces a modernised approach to cost-efficiency, optimising compliance without compromising quality or performance.
By leveraging existing VesseLINK infrastructure, shipowners can expand to full GMDSS functionality through a straightforward panel upgrade — avoiding additional satellite hardware and installation overheads. This modular architecture makes compliance more attainable across diverse vessel classes while supporting the long-term digitalisation of legacy fleets.
Rather than lowering standards through cost competition, WaveLINK democratises access to next-generation maritime safety, ensuring that vessels of all sizes can participate in the global shift toward integrated, data-driven operations. The terminal is priced competitively against traditional GMDSS equipment, offering a balanced model that supports both new installations and gradual fleet upgrades.
Charting a Safer, Smarter Future
The unveiling at Europort 2025 marks the first step in WaveLINK’s global rollout, with commercial availability expected in mid-2026. Live demonstrations at the IEC Telecom stand in Rotterdam showcased how Thales’ innovation, Iridium’s global reach, North Invent’s design excellence, and IEC Telecom’s systems-integration expertise converge to deliver a GMDSS solution that unites safety, efficiency, and affordability.
As maritime operations become increasingly digital and interconnected, WaveLINK signals a decisive transition — from compliance to continuous collaboration, from isolation to intelligence. Through the collective expertise of Thales, North Invent, Iridium, and IEC Telecom, the industry is entering an era where every vessel can navigate with confidence, resilience, and foresight.
