Namibia is set to enhance its maritime safety and emergency response capabilities with a significant investment by Telecom Namibia. The government mobile operator has partnered with Azerbaijan’s Marintel JV to upgrade the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) infrastructure along Namibia’s coastline.
The upgrade will see coastal stations equipped with advanced communication technologies, including very high frequency (VHF), medium frequency (MF), and high frequency (HF) systems. These enhancements will improve the ability to receive and disseminate maritime safety alerts and distress calls, thereby bolstering communication capabilities across Namibia’s maritime domain.
The GMDSS system, which offers 24-hour coverage, is crucial for monitoring and responding to distress calls and safety alerts from commercial vessels. This system facilitates the exchange of vital safety information, including distress signals, which is essential for maritime safety and emergency response.
Stanley Shanapinda, CEO of Telecom Namibia, emphasized that this investment aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and advanced communication solutions to the maritime industry. He noted that upgrading the GMDSS infrastructure ensures that Namibia’s maritime safety systems remain state-of-the-art.
Leonid Khojayev, Managing Director of Marintel JV, assured Namibians that his company will provide ongoing support, leveraging its engineering expertise to maintain and optimize the upgraded GMDSS infrastructure. This partnership aims to enhance Namibia’s readiness and response capabilities in maritime emergencies.
This development marks a significant step in strengthening Namibia’s maritime safety infrastructure, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding maritime operations and ensuring robust emergency response mechanisms.