Iridium Satellite said Monday demand for maritime satellite communications equipment is continuing to grow.

The mobile satellite communications carrier said in a news release that since the beginning of this year, the number of subscribers in the maritime industry has grown by 30 percent, while revenue growth from the industry has also been substantial.

"In the last two years, we have seen some of the world's largest shipping fleets switch to Iridium for a wide range of voice and data applications," stated Don Thoma, executive vice president.

"Ultimately, we hope to offer satellite solutions that will be certified for the global maritime distress and safety system," he added.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International