Iridium Certus Antenna and BDU Replacement on an LNG Carrier in Antwerp

On 13 October 2026 Satcenter replaced the Iridium Certus antenna and below-deck unit (BDU) on an LNG carrier in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Our engineer configured the new terminal, updated the firmware, activated voice and data, tested the approved onboard applications over the Iridium link and set up a new IP phone for the cargo control room.

Project overview

The vessel uses VSAT and Starlink for everyday connectivity, with Iridium Certus as the independent L-band link for voice and essential data. The existing Certus equipment had to be replaced, and the new hardware was supplied to the vessel for installation during its port call.

Boarding was only possible once the vessel was alongside, so our engineer attended as soon as access was granted and completed the work in a single visit.

Scope of work

Checking the supplied equipment

After boarding, the delivered Iridium Certus equipment was brought to the bridge and checked against the packing slip before any work started. This confirms that every part is on board and avoids a second attendance for a missing component.

Replacing the Iridium Certus antenna

The old Iridium Certus antenna was removed and the new antenna was installed on the existing mast, using the same mounting arrangement. Reusing the original mount kept the antenna in its proven position with a clear view of the sky, and no new steelwork or cable routing was needed.

Installing the new below-deck unit

The new BDU was installed inside the vessel's VSAT rack and secured in the existing position, next to the VSAT antenna control units, satellite modems and network switches. Keeping all communication equipment in one rack makes later maintenance and troubleshooting easier for both the crew and service engineers.

Configuration and firmware update

After powering on the new BDU, our engineer accessed its web interface and:

• enabled voice and data services in the configuration settings
• uploaded the vessel's configuration file
• updated the terminal to the latest firmware

The Iridium Certus system came online, and incoming and outgoing calls were tested successfully.

Restricting Iridium data to approved applications

Iridium Certus is billed on data use, so the link is limited to a small set of business applications approved by the operator, such as the Dualog communication suite. These services were tested together with the Master on the Master's PC, using the Iridium connection only, to confirm that they work when Iridium is the active link.

IP phones for the cargo control room and bridge

A newly supplied IP phone was configured for the cargo control room (CCR) and tested with loud and clear audio. At the request of the onboard electrician, a spare phone from the old equipment was also set up as an extension that rings in parallel with the bridge phone, giving the crew a second handset at no extra hardware cost. Read more about onboard telephony on our maritime VoIP page.

Result

The job was completed in one attendance with no follow-up required. The vessel now has:

• a new Iridium Certus antenna on the original mount
• a new BDU in the VSAT rack, on current firmware
• voice and data active, with incoming and outgoing calls tested
• Iridium data limited to approved applications, tested with the Master
• a new IP phone in the cargo control room and an extra extension for the bridge line

Why Iridium Certus still matters next to VSAT and Starlink

High-throughput services such as VSAT and Starlink carry most of a vessel's traffic, but they depend on Ku-band, Ka-band or LEO coverage and a clear line of sight. Iridium Certus works on L-band through a global satellite network, so it keeps voice and essential data running in heavy weather, at high latitudes or when the main link is down. Keeping the Certus terminal in good condition, on current firmware and restricted to the right applications is what makes it a reliable last line of connectivity.

Satcenter supports LNG carriers, tankers and other commercial vessels in Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and other ports in Belgium and the Netherlands, with engineers who can attend at short notice during a port call.

Need an Iridium Certus replacement or a connectivity check on your vessel? Contact info@satcenter.tv or call +31 85 560 71 20, or use our contact form.