IoT provider Orbcomm has been awarded a competitive, multi-year contract by the Argentine Navy for a regional automatic identification system (AIS) data subscription used for ship tracking and other maritime navigational and safety efforts.

The AIS data will be used to monitor vessel activity and identify vessels of interest in navigation and ports within the Argentine Navy’s domain. The contract will continue for three years, including one option year.

“Orbcomm has supported various naval and maritime authorities worldwide with its pioneering satellite AIS service since 2008, and this significant contract award once again demonstrates that Orbcomm provides critical AIS data to its customers at the best value,” said Greg Flessate, senior vice president at Orbcomm. “Orbcomm remains committed to expanding its industry-leading AIS data services and providing more extensive global coverage with increased bandwidth and versatility.”

The AIS data service has provided comprehensive and reliable global coverage in the market over the past decade. Orbcomm continues to enhance its global AIS data services with the launch of a Kelpie AIS satellite built with AAC Clyde Space on this month’s SpaceX Transporter-6 mission.

The Kelpie satellite features software-defined radio receivers and a multi-antenna implementation to increase detections of all AIS message types, while expanding coverage of Orbcomm’s constellation, increasing visibility to smaller Class B ships and extending its polar footprint.

The launch of a second Kelpie satellite is planned for the first half of 2023.

Orbcomm specialises in IoT technology, empowering users with insight to make data-driven decisions that help them optimise their operations, increase profitability and build a more sustainable future. With 30 years of experience, Orbcomm enables the management of over a million assets worldwide for a diverse customer base spanning transportation, supply chain, heavy equipment, maritime, natural resources and government.