In a groundbreaking achievement, Korean researchers have successfully verified the world’s first real-world maritime Internet of Things (MIoT) communication network. This network, developed by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), collects marine data by installing sensors and communication devices on ships, ports, and marine facilities. The implications for safety management and environmental monitoring are vast, marking a significant milestone in maritime technology.
The MIoT communication network, tested in the waters of the West and South Seas, has achieved a communication distance of up to 35 kilometers and the simultaneous connection of 30 devices. This is no small feat. It represents the first real-world application of IoT international standard technology defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in an actual ocean environment. The network’s ability to collect and share marine weather, ecological, and environmental data with public institutions opens new avenues for efficient maritime operations and environmental stewardship.
The researchers developed an independent network that links base stations, terminals, core networks, and application services using the 450MHz band public dedicated frequency secured by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in 2023. In June, they installed a base station at Odongdo Lighthouse in Yeosu and placed 30 terminals at six locations, including test light buoys, successfully transmitting and receiving actual data. In August, they continued their communication demonstrations by establishing a base station at Maldo Lighthouse in Gunsan and placing terminals at lighthouses in Gunsan Port, Bieung Port, Janghang Port, and Gyeokpo Port.
The successful 27-kilometer communication between the Odongdo base station and Nangdo port terminal, as well as the 35-kilometer communication between the Maldo base station and Janghang port terminal, underscores the robustness of the network. Once connected, the devices performed reliably, transmitting GPS location, light status, shock detection, and battery level every three minutes. Additionally, 30 devices installed at Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) in Yeosu and Gunsan succeeded in connecting simultaneously, with commercial test equipment verifying that up to 1,000 devices can connect at once.
Dr. Cho Seong Chul, project leader for the research, emphasized the broader implications of this achievement: “The world’s first verification of an MIoT communication network in the actual ocean is not just a technology demonstration, but also a foundation for the creation of new industries based on maritime big data and the expansion of national maritime safety infrastructure.”
Based on this development, ETRI plans to build an MIoT pilot network in the three regions of the East, West, and South Seas starting in 2026, with plans to expand the network nationwide after 2030. The MIoT system developed by ETRI is built as an independent network, unlike the existing land-based narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). It applies low-power transmission and reception technology optimized for the maritime environment and message prioritization for safety services.
The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) has already begun work on the international standardization of maritime IoT technology. The Korean government has established the ‘3rd Basic Plan for Navigational Aids to Navigation (2025~2029)’ and the ‘Marine Navigation Information System Innovation Strategy (2025.4)’ to promote the establishment of a nationwide maritime IoT communication network.
Lee Moon Sik, Assistant Vice President of the Satellite Communication Research Division, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “Securing a public frequency to implement a standalone maritime IoT network in the actual ocean and demonstrating a maritime IoT communication network based on smart navigation aids is a first in Korea and an unprecedented achievement internationally. It is expected to further enhance Korea’s maritime safety management and climate crisis response capabilities.”
This development is a game-changer. It’s not just about connecting devices; it’s about creating a smarter, safer, and more sustainable maritime ecosystem. The potential applications—from tracking small boats and life jackets to managing aquaculture facilities and uninhabited islands—are vast. This is a leap forward in maritime technology, setting a new standard for the industry and paving the way for innovative solutions to global maritime challenges.