Emirates Shipping Congress and IEC Telecom Accelerate Maritime Digitalization

IEC Telecom played a pivotal role in driving digital innovation in the maritime sector during the Emirates Shipping Congress, held on the first day of UAE Maritime Week. Partnering with the Emirates Shipping Association, the global satellite communications provider co-hosted an influential session highlighting the future of maritime connectivity.

UAE's 2030 Vision: Technology at the Helm

Aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030, the maritime sector is embracing a digital future powered by cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and real-time fleet monitoring. At the heart of this transformation is satellite-based communication, which serves as the core infrastructure for digital advancements at sea.

“Connectivity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental utility, driving a new era of maritime innovation,” stated Nabil Ben Soussia, Group Chief Commercial Officer at IEC Telecom, addressing delegates of the Emirates Shipping Congress at “Navigating the Digital Seas: Maritime Transformation Powered by Satcom” panel discussion.

LEO Satellites Expand Access to Smart Marine Solutions

The introduction of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, led by providers like Starlink, has significantly enhanced the availability of high-speed internet on vessels. According to data from 2024, over 75,000 ships were connected via satellite networks, a figure that continues to grow. Despite this progress, maritime connectivity remains a complex challenge due to various factors such as geographical coverage, weather, and regulatory constraints.

“No single vessel operates over a single network, particularly in the GCC. Typically, vessels would leverage LEO for international shipping routes, regional GEO operators for internal waters and GSM close to the shore. Each network has different access protocols and a range of applications, adapted to different bandwidths,” explained Nabil Ben Soussia, Group CCO, IEC Telecom Group.

Smart Network Management Becomes a Priority

“We may not be able to teleport crew or cargo, but we can maximise digital infrastructure to stay agile and efficient,”- as co-lead of the session, Mr. Ben Soussia highlighted how evolving network engineering trends aim to boost both operational efficiency and cost optimisation. He noted that since 2019, the maritime sector has faced significant challenges—from global cataclysms and geopolitical shifts, fluctuating demand caused by sanctions and shifting trade policies to rerouted shipping lanes away from conflict zones and pandemic-related port closures. In this dynamic landscape, agility and cost-efficiency are now essential for vessel operators to stay competitive.

As vessels become increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, managing network traffic efficiently is more important than ever. Tools like IEC Telecom’s OptiView platform are built to optimize connectivity by enabling operators to oversee usage patterns and allocate resources dynamically. Fleet managers can now adjust bandwidth, activate or suspend lines, and make real-time decisions to maximize operational efficiency.

As part of the Emirates Shipping Association’s ongoing efforts to support innovation, digital resilience, and member education, the Congress serves as a strategic forum to spotlight emerging technologies and enable real-world collaboration.

“Emirates Shipping Congress was established as a platform for thought leadership and knowledge exchange, designed specifically to serve the evolving needs of the UAE maritime sector,” stated Huma Qureshi, General Manager of Emirates Shipping Association. “As a new generation of digitally fluent seafarers joins the industry, understanding the operational implications of maritime digitalisation has never been more critical. Today’s session offered our members and distinguished guests a clear and practical roadmap for transformation. We extend our sincere thanks to our partners from IEC Telecom for their invaluable insights and collaboration.”

OptiView’s Global Launch Targets GCC First

The newest iteration of OptiView was introduced during Singapore Maritime Week and is now available for global deployment. IEC Telecom’s Managing Director, Mr. Ben Soussia, confirmed that clients in the GCC region would be the first to transition to the enhanced service, reinforcing the region’s role as a frontrunner in maritime digitalisation.

Emirates Shipping Congress: A Hub for Innovation

As one of the flagship events of UAE Maritime Week, the Emirates Shipping Congress provided a crucial platform for exploring both regional challenges and international trends in shipping and digitalisation. Contributions from leading firms like IEC Telecom offer invaluable insight and support to industry stakeholders navigating the digital era.