Furuno Launched Unified Maritime Safety Terminal
The new SOLION-100 integrates three critical safety communication systems into a single L-band satellite platform.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Furuno Electric has announced the SOLION-100, a maritime communications terminal that consolidates GMDSS, SSAS, and LRIT capabilities into one device. The terminal leverages the Iridium low-Earth-orbit satellite network to provide global coverage for emergency response and safety voice communications.
Why it matters
By merging distinct safety systems onto a single platform, the SOLION-100 reduces the hardware footprint on vessels. This consolidation simplifies compliance with maritime safety regulations while maintaining essential connectivity to rescue coordination centers.
The SOLION-100 operates on the Iridium Certus 100 service, utilizing L-band satellite communications to achieve data rates up to 88 Kbps. The terminal supports integrated GMDSS, SSAS, and LRIT functions, providing distress alerting and safety voice capabilities in one unit.
The players
Furuno Electric
A Japan-based manufacturer specializing in marine electronics, including radar, sonar, and satellite communication systems.
Iridium
A satellite communications provider that operates a global low-Earth-orbit network for mobile voice and data services.
The details
The device integrates three distinct systems: GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), SSAS (Ship Security Alert System), and LRIT (Long-Range Identification and Tracking). It uses a dedicated distress function to transmit a vessel's identification, status, and precise coordinates to rescue coordination centers. By utilizing the Iridium low-Earth-orbit satellite network, the system ensures persistent coverage for Maritime Safety Information received via the Iridium SafetyCast service.
Timeline
Late 2026: Commercial availability for retrofit applications.
2027: Commercial availability for newbuild projects.
The Tech Race
The SOLION-100 extends the deployment of the Iridium Certus 100 platform by standardizing its use for critical maritime safety protocols. This consolidation signals a broader industry trend toward simplifying vessel communication stacks by replacing multiple specialized units with integrated L-band terminals.
Commercial vessel operators will gain the ability to streamline their bridge communication hardware starting in late 2026. This terminal will primarily serve newbuild projects and retrofit programs seeking to meet GMDSS and tracking requirements with a reduced hardware footprint.
The takeaway
Furuno’s move toward integrated safety hardware reflects the increasing demand for high-efficiency, multi-function communication consoles in maritime logistics. Watch for the commercial rollout scheduled for late 2026 to see if other satellite terminal manufacturers follow this consolidation path.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in connectivity within our Telecommunications section.
More information
View product specifications and company updates on the Furuno official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Military & Aerospace Electronics.
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