Iridium helps combat piracy

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Jyoti Xenel

Iridium Communications Inc. has announced an important new component of a comprehensive program for combating piracy on the high seas, by providing mariners with global, reliable, cost-effective voice and data communications. Effective immediately, all calls from ships equipped with Iridium’s reliable communications terminals to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center are now free of charge. Ships are increasingly using ‘citadels,’ where crew can take refuge and wait safely for rescue when pirates board. A key element in the citadel strategy is a stand-alone, secure Iridium communications link to the outside world, so the crew can connect with the military forces to coordinate rescue operations. Several companies within the Iridium partner ecosystem offer citadel communication packages with a concealed external satellite antenna and cabling that cannot be easily disabled by the pirates on the ship. The UKMTO office in Dubai is the primary point of contact between merchant shipping and naval forces patrolling the danger zone off the Somali coast. UKMTO has direct communication to all naval assets in the area and plays a key role in coordinating the naval response when pirates board and attack ships. Under Iridium’s calling plan, all calls to the UKMTO +971 number will be connected through the Iridium network free of charge. The International Maritime Bureau reports that pirates were holding 28 ships and 518 hostages for ransom as of the end of April 2011. More than 117 ships were attacked, and 20 seized, by pirates off the coast of Somalia since January 1, 2011 alone

Leave a comment

You Might Also Like...

Garmin GPSMAP H1 vs H1i Plus vs 67 vs 67i: The Ultimate Comparison

Garmin GPSMAP H1 vs H1i Plus vs 67 vs 67i: The ...

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Guy Arnold

Garmin’s GPSMAP series has always been the gold standard for rugged handheld navigation. The launch of the new GPSMAP H1 and H1i Plus marks a big leap forward, with upgraded displays, storage, and durability. But...

SmartOne Solar vs SmartOne C: Which Globalstar Tracker Should You Choose?

SmartOne Solar vs SmartOne C: Which Globalstar ...

Posted on September 01, 2025 by Guy Arnold

When it comes to reliable satellite tracking, Globalstar’s SmartOne Solar and SmartOne C stand out as two of the most trusted options for businesses and individuals who need dependable asset visibility and workforce safety. Both...

Stay Connected Anywhere: The Complete Guide to SPOT Satellite Devices

Stay Connected Anywhere: The Complete Guide to ...

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Guy Arnold

The wind is picking up. You’ve been following a mountain trail for hours, miles from the nearest road, and your phone’s screen taunts you with No Signal. Somewhere in the distance, clouds are rolling in....

Video Post: How ZOLEO SOS Works

Video Post: How ZOLEO SOS Works

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Guy Arnold

When you’re far from mobile coverage, the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator keeps you connected. One of its most critical features is the dedicated SOS function, which connects you to a 24/7 emergency response team via satellite, even...