Thales and IEC Telecom reveal next-gen maritime safety system

At this year’s Europort exhibition in Rotterdam Ahoy, Thales Defense & Security, Inc. unveiled WaveLINK, a next-generation Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) solution, presented in partnership with IEC Telecom Group. The prototype launch, held at the IEC Telecom stand, drew strong attention from shipowners and safety specialists eager for smarter, more connected systems at sea.

The debut of WaveLINK comes at a pivotal moment for the maritime industry. As international regulations tighten and vessel traffic continues to grow, safety communications are becoming ever more critical. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), GMDSS remains the backbone of global search-and-rescue coordination and the market for maritime safety systems in Europe alone is expected to double to nearly US $20 billion by 2035.

A "Co-Pilot at Sea”
Built on the Iridium Certus network and developed in collaboration with North Invent, WaveLINK combines full GMDSS functionality with an intuitive OpenBridge interface. But what makes the system stand out is its dual role: it is both a certified distress-alerting terminal and a digital operations platform.

"WaveLINK reimagines GMDSS as more than an emergency lifeline,” said Steve Noel, VP Satcom Solutions at Thales Defense & Security. "It’s a scalable co-pilot at sea, combining safety, connectivity and intelligence within one platform.” Unlike traditional emergency terminals that remain dormant until disaster strikes, WaveLINK can support day-to-day operations, such as fish-catch reporting or coordination during search-and-rescue missions. Future software upgrades will allow for customised integrations tailored to specific industry needs.

Seamless Upgrade Path
A key advantage for operators is WaveLINK’s compatibility with Thales’ existing VesseLINK terminals. A simple addition of the new WaveLINK panel transforms the system into a fully GMDSS-certified solution without requiring extra satellite hardware; a significant cost and time saving for fleet owners. According to Thales, the product will be competitively priced compared to conventional GMDSS terminals, lowering barriers to adoption and supporting the industry’s broader digitalisation push.

The unveiling also underscored the long-standing partnership between Thales and IEC Telecom, whose global network will handle initial market introduction and service integration. "The addition of WaveLINK aligns perfectly with our service-driven portfolio,” said Alf Stian Mauritz, Group Chief Strategy Officer of IEC Telecom. "Our focus is on delivering solutions that go beyond compliance to bring real operational value on board.”

WaveLINK is expected to become commercially available in mid-2026, following further testing and certification. Live demonstrations at Europort showcased how the system blends safety, efficiency and affordability, setting a new benchmark for digital-ready maritime communication.