Nautel Ltd, a premier provider of broadcast and navigation solutions, maintains an impressive presence in the maritime sector through its Kenta Technologies subsidiary. Specializing in coastal radio systems with VHF/MF/HF frequencies integrated with sensor support for sensor support as well as centralised control capabilities - Kenta stands as a critical infrastructure component in vessel traffic management, pilotage and emergency response applications.
Kenta's Contribution in Establishing NAVDAT Standard
Kenta Technologies is actively contributing to the creation of NAVDAT, which seeks to replace or add flexibility to NAVTEX broadcasting for maritime safety broadcasts. Kenta is engineering hybrid systems which support both formats - NAVTEX and NAVDAT - without disrupting existing infrastructure, while still enabling advanced messaging without complete overhaul. This response meets industry demand for scalable platforms that integrate vessel traffic systems, comply with GMDSS standards, and offer user-friendly operator interfaces.
NAVDAT promises to deliver enhanced data dissemination for coastal authorities, reflecting a trend toward operationally aligned solutions in dynamic maritime environments. Kenta's involvement shows Nautel's dedication to future-proof communications amidst increasing coastal congestion and technological complexity.
Major GMDSS Projects in Asia
Kenta collaborated with GC Co. Ltd. of Korea on multiple shoreline sites in Korea, including designing, manufacturing, installation and commissioning five MF/HF transmission sites, five MF/HF/VHF reception sites and two NAVTEX transmission sites. This project marked GC's inaugural venture into GMDSS sector; Kenta provided invaluable technical knowledge transfer. Jae Bong Lee from GC's Sales Department highlighted their collaboration as essential for global GMDSS market success.
Kenta replaced the Maritime and Port Authority's NAVTEX transmission system and now provides maintenance services, demonstrating Nautel's expertise in full lifecycle support from design to upgrades.
Ongoing Maintenance and Partnership Agreements in Europe
Kenta MF/HF and NAVTEX transmitters have been deployed throughout Bulgaria for 18 years now to support Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Management System and GMDSS operations, serving the Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Management System as well as GMDSS operations for over 12 of those years. Scortel Ltd, Kenta's local technical partner in Bulgaria, recently secured a maintenance contract with Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Co for these transmitters; Ivaylo Simeonov from Scortel's Director of Maritime & Satellite Systems noted over 10 years of collaboration; noting Kenta's competent service, flexible solutions, efficiency.
Nautel's long-term engagements demonstrate their life-cycle approach, including training, integration and adaptability to evolving regulations in coastal zones.
Recent 2025 Maritime Contracts
On September 9, 2025, Nautel announced its delivery of 400 VHF transceivers for France's DGAMPA GMDSS project, further improving government maritime communications. On March 23rd 2025, Romanian Air Force contracted Nautel for nationwide upgrade of air navigation non-directional beacon (NDB) capability that expanded their navigation portfolio with maritime technologies.
Nautel recently completed additional 2024 projects such as 40 VHF transceivers for the French government on May 28; GMDSS renewal in Mauritius; and an Radio over IP (ROIP) system in Taiwan that strengthened Nautel's global footprint for maritime radio infrastructure.
Strategic Positioning and US Manufacturing Assurance.
On February 3rd 2025, Nautel issued its response to proposed US tariffs by assuring customers of its 50 years of Made in USA manufacturing in Bangor, Maine and its ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities' ability to serve US and global markets reliably. CEO Kevin Rodgers highlighted this point.
Under Pierre Verge's leadership as general manager of Kenta Technologies--a Nautel company--the firm emphasizes working in close cooperation with regulators, operators, and partners in order to develop agile systems supporting automation, cloud management, and crisis continuity.