Icom Unveils World’s First Marine VHF+LTE Hybrid Transceiver at METSTRADE 2023.

Icom has developed the world’s first* hybrid transceiver that adopts two communication systems: marine VHF and LTE.

The IP-M60 is a versatile transceiver designed for both maritime communications (marine VHF radio) and land-based communications using an LTE network.

The integration of marine VHF radios for ships, enhancing safety through two-way communication, and LTE radios, beneficial for communication during port operations such as loading and unloading containers and refueling, is expected to significantly improve work efficiency in the shipping and port industries. In addition to tugboats and rescue boats, there is anticipated demand for rescue boats that need to be linked with land-based emergency medical services.

“The launch is scheduled for March 2024. It will be available in over 20 European countries and the United States, with sales expected to reach several thousand units per year.” Says International Sales Department General Manager Mr. Shinya Terasaki.

* According to Icom research as of October 2023.

 

About IP-M60

World’s First IP and Marine VHF Transceiver. Seamlessly Switch Between Sea and Land Communications with the Press of a Button.

 

The IP-M60 is an innovative “hybrid” IP transceiver that combines a conventional marine VHF radio, widely used globally for communication between ships and ports/coast operations to ensure navigation safety, and a land-based IP transceiver that connects people over any distance within the reach of a cellular phone network (LTE).

Despite having two communication systems, the compact and lightweight design (61.7(W)×140.5(H)×42.8(D)mm, approx. 320g) is achieved through advanced structural and circuit design.

Icom also has transceivers like the IC-M85 that can communicate on both marine VHF and VHF land mobile frequencies. However, their communication is limited to direct radio range, thus also limiting the communication distance.

The IP-M60 excels in locations requiring both maritime safety and business communication, such as ports, international rivers, and canals. Utilizing LTE radio for land-based communication, it enables seamless communication with distant offices and warehouses at the push of a button, as long as they are within the cellular phone coverage area.

Equipped with Main/Sub PTT (Push-To-Talk) buttons, the IP-M60 enables separate presses to switch between marine (marine VHF) and land (LTE radio) communications. The receiver can monitor both marine and land-based communications simultaneously.

 

Debut at the Largest Marine Equipment Shows in Europe.

 

The IP-M60 is poised for adoption by shipping companies, port operations, coast guards, rescue teams, yacht racing organizers, and mega yacht owners, among the potential users.

For the first sales in Europe and the U.S., the product will be unveiled at METSTRADE 2023, Europe’s premier marine products trade exhibition in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from November 15 to 17, 2023.

Sales are scheduled to commence in March 2024 across more than 20 European countries, the United States, the Middle East, and Africa. Subsequent release in Canada and Australia is planned.