Connectivity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental utility
IEC Telecom took the lead in accelerating maritime digitalisation in the GCC at the Emirates Shipping Congress, held on the opening day of UAE Maritime Week and organised by Emirates Shipping Association.
A leading international satcom solutions provider co-curated a high-impact session in collaboration with the Association to spotlight the latest advancements in marine communications, according to a press release.
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental utility, driving a new era of maritime innovation,” stated Nabil Ben Soussia, Group Chief Commercial Officer, IEC Telecom, addressing delegates of the Emirates Shipping Congress at ‘Navigating the Digital Seas: Maritime Transformation Powered by Satcom’ panel discussion.
Digital technologies
With high-speed LEO technology—pioneered by Starlink—the latest digital technologies are becoming increasingly available on board. According to the 2024 progress report, 75,000 vessels were connected to the network last year and this number continues to soar. That said, maritime connectivity is very complex and is subject to service availability, weather conditions and local regulations.
“No single vessel operates over a single network, particularly in the GCC. Typically, vessels would leverage LEO for international shipping routes, regional GEO operators for internal waters and GSM close to the shore,” Ben Soussia added.
“Emirates Shipping Congress was established as a platform for thought leadership and knowledge exchange, designed specifically to serve the evolving needs of the UAE maritime sector,” stated Huma Qureshi, General Manager, Emirates Shipping Association.
“As a new generation of digitally fluent seafarers joins the industry, understanding the operational implications of maritime digitalisation has never been more critical,” she concluded.
