Image Credit: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01537-x 

In the maritime industry, communication, monitoring, and navigation are critical challenges, especially in remote oceanic regions where conventional networks fail to operate effectively. Traditional communication systems depend heavily on costly satellite services or limited radio-based technologies that do not offer global coverage. Fossar, a company operating under Fossa Systems, has emerged as a transformative player by deploying low-cost nanosatellite constellations that provide global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. This innovation is essential for maritime applications such as vessel tracking, real-time environmental monitoring, and fuel optimization. By enabling seamless data transfer from ship to shore, Fossar’s nanosatellites improve decision-making efficiency and reduce operational risks, supporting sustainable and smart shipping practices.

Fossar’s technology portfolio includes pico and nanosatellite platforms that deliver real time IoT connectivity across land and sea. For maritime companies, this translates into enhanced vessel monitoring, predictive maintenance, route optimization, and compliance with environmental regulations. Seafarers benefit from improved connectivity for safety alerts, weather updates, and operational communication, particularly in isolated regions. The system also allows shipping companies to track cargo conditions such as temperature and humidity ensuring logistics efficiency and safety standards for perishable goods.

Fossar’s nanosatellites operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), typically at altitudes between 500–600 km, forming a constellation that enables continuous, low-latency data coverage. Each nanosatellite is equipped with a compact communications payload that receives IoT signals from maritime sensors or onboard ship terminals. These data packets are relayed to ground stations, where they are processed and transmitted to the end-user through a secure digital platform.

In maritime applications, this system allows for real-time vessel telemetry, including location, engine data, and fuel usage. It also facilitates environmental data collection such as ocean temperature, salinity, and CO₂ emissions helping operators make informed decisions about route planning and sustainability compliance. The technology integrates with existing maritime sensors via low power wide area network (LPWAN) protocols like LoRaWAN, enabling affordable connectivity even in the most remote sea regions. Fossar’s ground infrastructure and software platforms ensure high data reliability and seamless integration with fleet management systems.

The main advantage of Fossar’s nanosatellite system lies in its low cost, global coverage, and scalability. Maritime operators no longer depend solely on expensive geostationary satellites, allowing small and medium-sized shipping companies to access space-enabled data services. Additionally, its compact satellite design ensures faster deployment cycles and reduced environmental footprint.

Fossar’s IoT systems have been tested and deployed in multiple maritime and industrial scenarios. One notable case involved integrating IoT sensors on fishing vessels operating in the North Atlantic, enabling continuous monitoring of fleet activity and compliance with fishing regulations. Another pilot project in collaboration with Port of Barcelona demonstrated how nanosatellite data could optimize port logistics by synchronizing ship arrivals and cargo transfers. Fossar’s partnership with a Norwegian shipping firm enabled real-time hull stress and fuel consumption monitoring, resulting in a 15% reduction in operational costs. These cases demonstrate the tangible benefits of satellite-based IoT in improving maritime efficiency and safety.

Fossar has built strategic collaborations with several global organizations. The company works closely with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Indico Capital Partners to expand its constellation and develop maritime-focused IoT solutions. It also partners with Red Eléctrica Group, Elewit, and Sateliot to create interoperable data ecosystems for smart logistics. Fossar’s technology is being integrated by leading shipping and logistics firms seeking to comply with IMO digital reporting standards. These collaborations strengthen the company’s technical reliability and accelerate adoption within the maritime supply chain.

Fossa Systems has attracted strong investor confidence, raising substantial funding to accelerate its technology and satellite deployment roadmap:

• €3.8 million (2023): Seed funding led by Indico Capital Partners and Newmind Venture, with participation from CDTI Innvierte.
• €1.1 million (2021):  Pre seed round supported by Elewit (Red Eléctrica Group) and Nauta Capital.
• ESA Collaboration Grant (2022): A non equity grant from the European Space Agency supporting nanosatellite R&D. 

This cumulative funding supports the company’s satellite manufacturing, constellation expansion, and maritime IoT integration programs.

Fossa Systems was founded in 2019 by Julian Fernandez and Vicente Gonzalez, two young engineers from Spain who envisioned democratizing access to space based communications. Julian Fernandez, serving as CEO, has been recognized in Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Europe” list for his pioneering role in satellite technology development. The company’s mission extends beyond maritime logistics, it aims to provide affordable access to satellite data for industries such as energy and land logistics as well.

References

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