Thuraya MarineStar bags Marine Technology - Satellite win at Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2022

The solution supports the digitalisation of crucial applications like SOS, navigation, and emergency alerts.

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) has been awarded the Marine Technology - Satellite category at the recently held Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2022 for its integrated satellite maritime solution Thuraya MarineStar.

The Thuraya MarineStar caters to the operational requirements of small and regional fishing vessels. Built to high standards and resilient to extreme environments, it synergises productivity and efficiency on vessels by supporting the digitalisation of crucial applications such as location-based services, SOS, and emergency alerts through push notifications, in addition to crew welfare. 

Jassem Nasser, Thuraya’s Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer says, “Crew communication is a critical element of seafarer welfare, and vessel operators are now prioritising onboard systems to help their crew connect with home whilst at sea. The global COVID-19 crisis and mariner surveys have repeatedly underpinned connectivity as key to maintaining onboard wellbeing. The Thuraya MarineStar - SatTrack solution does this and a lot more.” He adds, “Besides voice and data communications, it provides reliable and cost-effective access to navigation updates, port notifications, operational instructions as well as continuous tracking and monitoring. MarineStar also helps fishermen gain a vital market advantage whilst ensuring compliance with national and international laws for increased maritime sustainability and security.”

Functioning like a regular phone, the technology can be set up in less than an hour. Its SOS feature meets government requirements and has been instrumental in saving hundreds of lives, as many vessels have been salvaged using the solution.

It works on an L-band frequency, which makes the service robust and steady even in turbulent weather, guaranteeing reliable connectivity. It offers circuit-switched voice, besides SMS, GmPRS data, and tracking services on an easy and intuitive interface. It enables satellite calls to landlines or mobile phones and other satellite phones over Thuraya’s system. The Thuraya MarineStar can also connect to a standard analogue phone, extending its range onboard.

When paired with the Thuraya SatTrack web application, the Thuraya MarineStar enhances the safety and security of vessels and crew. With a multilingual menu, the technology also supports over-the-air programming, and condition-based monitoring, heightening its appeal as an affordable communication solution amongst users.

As a unique feature, it can also work on a local mobile network operator SIM card with a local mobile number so that users are quickly traceable during crisis. 

Since its launch in 2020, more than 27000 units have been sold. It has become a front-runner in maritime tracking and monitoring. One of its partners in Asia has deployed over 7,000 MarineStar terminals on fishing vessels. Most installations are part of national initiatives to comply with international fishing regulations and improve onboard safety and security. 

The solution also became especially useful during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. MarineStar became a solution to provide stranded seafarers with affordable means to communicate with their loved ones amidst heightened travel restrictions.

The prestigious awards programme honours outstanding companies in the region that made exceptional contributions in pursuit of technological innovation in their respective industries.  

The Middle East Technology Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2023 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in pursuit of technological innovation, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].