Why retrofit onboard communication systems?
Retrofit onboard communication systems are essential for modern vessels and offshore installations. They help shipowners keep pace with safety regulations, digitalization, and operational demands — without tearing out existing cabling. This means less downtime in dock, lower costs, and a faster path to compliance.
Zenitel’s retrofit approach focuses on reusing what works and upgrading what matters. The result is clear and reliable communication that extends the life of your systems, reduces material waste, and ensures your crew can always hear, be heard, and be understood.
How to Upgrade Intercom Systems Without Rewiring – Zenitel Retrofit with IP2W
Seamless retrofit solutions for vessels & offshore installations
Zenitel provides retrofit solutions for passenger ferries, cargo vessels, offshore platforms, and offshore wind installations. Every project is tailored to the unique requirements of your vessel or site — whether replacing outdated intercoms, upgrading to a digital PAGA, or integrating with navigation and safety systems.
With technologies such as ICX AlphaCom, Exigo PAGA, Flowire, and IP over Two-Wire, Zenitel delivers retrofit projects that minimize disruption and maximize long-term reliability. Careful planning and collaboration ensure upgrades are completed efficiently, within scheduled docking periods, so operations continue without unnecessary delays.
Zenitel experience & expertise
Why retrofit onboard communication systems?
Even if existing systems are still operational, they often fail to meet today’s demands for safety, efficiency, and compliance. A retrofit onboard communication system gives you the benefits of modern IP technology without the disruption of a full replacement.
Key benefits:
- Avoid downtime: Reuse existing cabling and upgrade faster, within scheduled docking periods.
- Cut costs: Reduce maintenance and avoid expensive rewiring projects.
- Future-proof: Ensure integration with digital technologies, IoT, and evolving safety standards.
- Enhance reliability: Replace outdated equipment that risks failures and compromises crew safety.
Retrofit solutions tailored to your operations
Zenitel delivers complete turnkey systems — including PAGA, intercom, telephony (PBX), wireless communication, and IPTV — customized to your vessel type or offshore site.
We support:
- Passenger and cargo vessels: Clear communication across cabins, public spaces, and critical work areas.
- Offshore platforms: Reliable EX-approved solutions in hazardous areas.
- Offshore wind farms: Supporting sustainable energy operations with robust IP-based systems.
- Floaters and specialized vessels: Tailored solutions for dynamic offshore environments.
Every retrofit is designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and crew welfare while minimizing disruption during installation.
Flowire: smart upgrades from analog to IP
Zenitel’s Flowire technology makes it simple and cost-effective to upgrade analog communication systems to IP. Optimized for the harshest maritime environments, Flowire enables:
- Power & data on the same cable: Run IP communication over existing two-wire cabling.
- Efficient installation: Enable PoE-powered IP equipment without major rewiring.
- Sustainability: Reduce waste by reusing existing infrastructure.
Flowire allows operators to move to IP-based solutions while saving time, cutting costs, and minimizing downtime.
Silja Serenade
full retrofit of the onboard communication system
For one of the Baltic’s busiest passenger ferries, a retrofit onboard communication system was essential. Silja Serenade carries thousands of passengers and crew every week. When it came time to replace an aging intercom, the challenge was clear: modernize without tearing out miles of cabling or disrupting operations.
Zenitel recently replaced the aging ASA-101 system with the modern IP based ICX AlphaCom System using the new NVT IP2W (IP over Two Wire) switches keeping all existing cabling and optimising overall functionalities of the onboard intercom system.
Research Vessel Polarstern
Alfred Wegener Institute / Germany
The RV Polarstern, operated by the Alfred Wegener Institute, has completed nearly 300 important scientific expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic since 1982.
SMK-Elektrotechnik with its 50 years of experience in ship internal communication equipment was responsible for upgrading and installing the internal communications system onboard the RV Polarstern. The retrofit was completed at the Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven Germany and was supervised by a Zenitel service engineer for the installation of the new Exigo PAGA System which re-uses existing cabling through Zenitel’s Flowire technology.
FSRU BW Tatiana
El Salvador
In November 2021, BW Tatiana was officially named and dedicated, becoming the first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to be deployed in Central America’s smallest country. El Salvador currently relies heavily on imported fuel oil to generate power.
Zenitel recently completed a full retrofit on the internal communication systems onboard BW Tatiana. BW Tatiana has become a part of Energía del Pacífico’s Acajutla FSRU project.
Docklands Light Railway
Maritime & Energy Services
At Maritime & Energy Solutions, we don't just provide top-of-the-line products - we offer unparalleled support and expertise every step of the way. Our skilled engineers are here to help you from start to finish, ensuring your success in designing, operating, and integrating our solutions into your vessels.
Experience the power of expert design and engineering for your maritime and energy projects.
From planning to training, we handle every step with confidence and expertise for a seamless experience.
With our broad technology knowledge and attention to detail, we seamlessly connect all components from design to implementation.
Our Factory and Site Acceptance Tests guarantee in depth review of high-quality equipment design and performance
Trust us to provide you with the expertise you need to install and maintain your telecommunication systems flawlessly.
From step-by-step documentation to immersive hands-on experiences, we've got you covered.