International Mobile Satellite Organization

IMSO

Antigua & Barbuda accepts the SES Agreement

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The Director General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed, is pleased to announce that Antigua & Barbuda have become Party to the International Agreement on the use of Inmarsat Ship Earth Stations within the territorial sea and ports (SES Agreement). The document issued by the Honourable Gaston A. Browne, Prime Minister and Minister with Responsibility for Merchant Shipping and Ship Registration was presented to the Director General by His Excellency the Ambassador Mr Dwight C.R. Gardiner, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) with responsibility for IMSO, on 13 March 2023 at the IMSO Headquarters.

The purpose of the SES Agreement is that “Parties shall permit in their territorial seas and ports the operation of approved ship earth stations appertaining to the maritime space communication system provided by the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) (now provided by the company “Inmarsat”) and properly installed aboard ships flying the flag of any other Party”.  The agreement opened for signature at London on 16 October 1985 and entered into force on 12 September 1993. There are a total of 50 Parties who have accepted the SES Agreements.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from the Republic of Mozambique

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The Director General of IMSO Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed His Excellency Dr. Mateus Magala, Minister of Transport and Communications, Republic of Mozambique.

Mr Pier Taranti Technical Officer of IMSO delivered a presentation to the delegation on the Organization’s role as a global oversight body of satellite communications systems used for safety and security, and as the global Coordinator for the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system.

The Director General mentioned that IMSO hopes that that Mozambique will accept the 2008 Amendments to IMSO convention, become a member of the SES Agreement and accede to the Amended Protocol on Privileges and Immunities. Moreover, the Director General looks forward to the opportunity to extend the cooperation between Mozambique and the Organization with both parties reiterating their commitment to develop this relationship and working towards more collaboration in the days to come.

IMSO DIRECTOR GENERAL CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF INMARSAT’S I-6 F2 SATELLITE FROM CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA

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The Director General was invited by Inmarsat to witness their I-6 F2 satellite successfully launch on Friday 17th February from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket! He had the pleasure of attending the launch with Inmarsat CEO, Rajeev Suri and His Excellency Mr. Laurent Parenté of the Republic of Vanuatu, the Director General Elect of IMSO.

Inmarsat’s I-6 F2 satellites are their first hybrid satellites that feature both L-band and Ka-band high-speed broadband communications payloads, providing essential maritime safety service to seafarers.

IMSO Director General (right), Inmarsat CEO, Rajeev Suri (centre) and His Excellency Mr. Laurent Parenté of the Republic of Vanuatu, the Director General Elect of IMSO.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from the Arab Republic of Egypt

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The Director General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Kingdom, His Excellency, Mr. Sherif Ahmed Mahmoud Kamel.

Mr. Pier Taranti Technical Officer of IMSO delivered a presentation to the delegation on the Organization’s role as a global oversight body of satellite communications systems used for safety and security, and as the global Coordinator for the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system. He also presented on “Egypt’s Access to Satellite Communication on Distress, Safety for Maritime and Aviation and Ship tracking”.

The visit particularly revolved around the Organization’s mandate, how the work of the Organization benefits countries globally, and how Egypt’s interests can be protected by having their voice heard on these issues in the context of IMSO

During the meeting, discussion also took place on Egypt’s acceptance to the 2008 Amendments to IMSO convention, SES Agreement, Amending Agreement IMSO Protocol on Privileges and Immunities and LRIT implementation by Egypt.

The Director General hopes that Egypt will accept the 2008 Amendments to the IMSO Convention. Moreover, IMSO looks forward to this opportunity to extend the cooperation between Egypt and the Organization with both parties reiterating their commitment to develop their relationship and working towards more collaboration in the future.

IMSO Director General Captain Moin Ahmed (right) and Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Kingdom, His Excellency, Mr. Sherif Ahmed Mahmoud Kamel exchanging a commemorative shield during the visit.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from Singapore

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The Director General of IMSO Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed Mr. David Foo, Assistant Chief Executive (Ops Tech), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Mr. Gavin Yeo, Deputy Director (Sectoral System Development) Maritime Port Authority IT Division Singapore, Mr. Tan Hanqiang, First Secretary (Maritime) and Mr. Darrick Leow First Secretary High Commission of the Republic of Singapore.

IMSO Technical Officer Mr. Pier Taranti gave a presentation to the delegation on the Organization’s role as an oversight body of satellite communications systems used for safety and security, and as the Coordinator for the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system. As Singapore has not yet acceded the 2008 Amendments to the IMSO Convention, the visit particularly revolved around the Organization’s mandate, how the work of the Organization benefits countries globally, and how Singapore’s interests can be protected by having their voice heard on these issues in the IMSO context.

During the meeting, discussion also took place on, the Amending Agreement to the IMSO Protocol on Privileges and Immunities and LRIT implementation by Singapore.

After the presentation, the Director General made special mention to the importance of LRIT implementation by Singapore as a State Party to SOLAS Convention presenting topics Singapore considered.

The Director General hopes that Singapore will accept the 2008 Amendments to the IMSO Convention. Moreover, the Director General looks forward to the opportunity to extend the cooperation between Singapore and the Organization with both parties reiterating their commitment to develop this relationship and working towards more collaboration in the days to come.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from the Republic of Kenya

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Today, the Director General of IMSO Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed the delegation of the Republic of Kenya to the United Kingdom, led by Ambassador Caleb Manoa Esipisu, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya and Mr. Martin Owuor, Counsellor I of the Republic of Kenya who attended the meeting.

For the maritime safety and efficiency of navigation, discussion was made about the SES agreement to the delegation of Kenya in order to establish the use of Inmarsat’s SES’s for ship operation and management, further facilitating the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Special mention was made to the 2008 Amendments to the IMSO convention, whereby Kenya was invited to accept the 2008 Amendments. IMSO would look forward to knowing Kenya’s attention on this matter and would be pleased to offer any information or assistance that the Government of Kenya may require for accepting this instrument which has been provisionally applied pending their formal entry into force.

IMSO hopes that Kenya will become a member of the SES agreement and accede to the Amended Protocol and Privileges and Immunities. Moreover, IMSO looks forward to this opportunity to extend the cooperation between Kenya and the Organization with both parties reiterating their commitment to develop this relationship and working towards more collaboration in the future.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

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Today, the Director General of IMSO Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed the delegation of the Embassy of the Jordan to the United Kingdom led by His Excellency Mr. Manar M. Dabbas, Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Mrs. Rawan Al-Faqir, First Secretary, who attended the meeting.

IMSO Technical Officer Mr. Pier Taranti gave a presentation to the delegation on the Organization’s role as a global oversight body of certain satellite communications systems used for safety of maritime navigation, and as the global Coordinator for the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system.

After the presentation, the Director General made special mention to the importance of LRIT implementation by Jordan as a State Party to the SOLAS Convention, as well as audit fees being the lowest ever. It is, therefore, expected that this reduction in fees will help to reduce the financial burden of LRIT on states such as Jordan. Becoming part of the LRIT system would give Jordan’s access to core safety and security measures off their coastline and beyond, and further help strengthen the system.

IMSO hopes that Jordan will become a member of the SES Agreement and accede to the Amended Protocol on Privileges and Immunities. Moreover, IMSO looks forward to this opportunity to extend the cooperation between Jordan and the Organization with both parties reiterating their commitment to develop this relationship and working towards more collaboration in the future.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from the Republic of Ecuador

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Today, the Director General of IMSO, Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed the delegation of the Republic of Ecuador to the United Kingdom, led by Commander Xavier Rubio, Commander Francisco Ayala and Mrs Luisa Burgess, who attended the meeting.

For the maritime safety and efficiency of navigation, discussion was made about the SES Agreement in order to establish the use of Inmarsat’s SES’s for ship operation and management, further facilitating the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

The Director General mentioned that IMSO hopes that Ecuador will become a party of the SES Agreement. Moreover, IMSO looks forward to this opportunity to extend the cooperation between Ecuador and the Organization with both parties reiterating their commitment to develop this relationship and working towards more collaboration in the future.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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Today, the Director General of IMSO Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed the delegation of the Republic of Saudi Arabia led by His Royal Highness Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al-Saud, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom, who attended the meeting.

For the maritime safety and efficiency of navigation, discussion was made about the SES Agreement in order to establish the use of Inmarsat’s SES’s for ship operation and management, further facilitating the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Special mention was made to the 2008 Amendment to the IMSO Convention, whereby Saudi Arabia was invited to accept them. The Director General mentioned that IMSO would look forward to knowing Saudi Arabia’s attention on this matter and would be pleased to offer any information or assistance that the Government of Saudi Arabia may require for accepting this instrument which has been provisionally applied pending their formal entry into force.

IMSO hopes that Saudi Arabia will become a member of the SES Agreement and accede to the Amended Protocol on Privileges and Immunities. Moreover, IMSO looks forward to this opportunity to extend the cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Organization with both parties reiterating their commitment to develop this relationship and working towards more collaboration in the future.

IMSO Welcomes the Distinguished Delegation from the Republic of Brazil

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Today, the Director General of IMSO Captain Moin Ahmed welcomed the delegation of the Republic of Brazil, led by His Excellency Ambassador Marco Farani, Counsellor Heitor Grafanei, Counsellor Renato Levanteze and Secretary Daniel Lisboa, who attended the meeting.

IMSO Technical Officer Pier Taranti gave a presentation to the delegation on the Organization’s role as a global oversight body of certain satellite communications systems used for safety of maritime navigation, and as the global Coordinator for the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) system.

Moreover, IMSO looks forward to this opportunity to extend the cooperation between Brazil and the Organization with participants reiterating their commitment to develop this relationship and working towards more collaboration in the future.