The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) is partnering with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to establish a comprehensive maritime Internet of Things (IoT) communication network across Korea’s coastal waters. This initiative aims to create essential infrastructure for gathering oceanic big data and enhancing smart maritime services. The plan involves remote monitoring and management of approximately 5,800 navigation aids and various maritime facilities nationwide.
On June 4, ETRI and the Ministry signed a business agreement to develop wireless communication technology for maritime IoT based on navigation aids. Their collaboration will focus on building and operating pilot networks in real maritime environments, utilizing ocean data services, and standardizing the data collected. Previous projects have validated the effectiveness of maritime IoT technology in enhancing navigation facilities.
ETRI has already pioneered the world’s first maritime IoT wireless communication system, achieving a communication range of 35 kilometers and supporting 30 simultaneous connections in actual sea areas. This technology has been tested against international standards set by 3GPP, confirming its practical application and scalability.
The organizations plan to implement pilot networks in Busan, Masan, and Ulsan, with a vision to expand into a nationwide maritime IoT network by 2030. This network aims to enhance maritime safety and digital administrative services by real-time monitoring of oceanic conditions. By integrating various maritime objects into a unified communication system, the initiative seeks to bolster safety and foster a new digital ecosystem for the smart maritime industry. ETRI’s Lee Moon-sik emphasized the importance of this collaboration in advancing Korea’s maritime digital transformation.
