IEC Telecom and Thuraya introduced Orion Edge V (“V” for virtual), a state-of-the-art satcom system which offers an affordable VSAT-like experience over compact hardware. Digitalisation, previously reserved for large vessels, is now available for smaller crafts.
At a time when some 60% of Middle Eastern companies report that they are now actively investing in digital technologies, digitalised vessels have a competitive advantage when it comes to adapting to challenges and optimising business opportunities. The United Arab Emirates is one of the top 20 most digitally advanced economies in the world, and in the maritime sector, many Middle East port operators are turning to the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive value in the digital economy, which is estimated to grow to a value of $14 trillion by 2030.
Until now these digital benefits have been unavailable to small and mid-sized vessels. However, IEC Telecom has joined forces with Thuraya, the leading global satellite operator, to bring affordable quality satcom technology to customers with limited onboard space via the cutting-edge Orion Edge V. The new solution enables a VSAT-like communications experience over L-band with access to a cloud-based system, offering a wide range of telecom services.
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Incorporating IEC Telecom’s ground-breaking OneGate system into the pre-existing Orion Edge solution has brought communications to a new level with a wide range of telecom services now available via a virtual platform. ICT managers can monitor and control the network across all vessels of their fleet remotely via a user-friendly set of dashboards. New services, including telemedicine, videoconferencing, and remote maintenance, can be added on demand via IEC Telecom’s application store.
Following the successful launch in Asia-Pacific at the end of November 2020, IEC Telecom and Thuraya introduced this digital game-changer to EMEA customers during the Seatrade Maritime Middle East Virtual event, a three-day tradeshow and conference, which took place in Dubai from 14th to16th December, 2020. Nabil Ben Soussia, CEO for Asia, Middle East & CIS, IEC Telecom Group, and Shawkat Ahmed, Chief Commercial Officer, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, also shared their knowledge and experience during a deep dive live session on Tuesday, December 15th, where they outlined how the virtualisation of telecommunication services presents new opportunities for all vessel types.
Mr. Ben Soussia said, “Today we are experiencing a significantly higher demand for digital solutions, which has been escalated by the pandemic. Launching Orion Edge V in the UAE market has highlighted the benefits of digitalisation that are now available even to small vessels via state-of-the-art virtual platforms, keeping in mind investment and space constraints.”
