A new international partnership aims to confront escalating threats to maritime navigation caused by widespread GPS and GNSS interference.
With incidents of spoofing, jamming, and other forms of signal disruption rising to unprecedented levels worldwide, industry stakeholders warn that ineffective navigation can jeopardise not only vessels and cargo but also crew safety and global supply chains.
According to NorthStandard, some maritime authorities have reported a staggering 350 per cent rise in affected vessels over the past six months. The consequences of these threats are far-reaching, including collisions, delayed voyages, financial losses for global commerce, and increased safety risks for seafarers.
In response, Tschudi Shipping Company has launched a collaboration with US-based NAL Research – a specialist in Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) – and Norwegian maritime technology firm SGM Technology AS. Together, they are rolling out a robust solution that uses the Iridium low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to maintain navigation and tracking capabilities even when GPS or GNSS signals are compromised.
The state-of-the-art system can instantly detect when a vessel is being spoofed and is currently undergoing trials with leading shipowners. This resilient approach is designed to guarantee reliable asset tracking and global situational awareness.
SGM Technology AS CEO, Steffen Grefsgård, commented: “In today’s maritime landscape, the threat of GPS jamming and spoofing is no longer theoretical – it’s a growing reality. Ensuring navigational safety is critical, not just for protecting cargo and vessels, but for safeguarding the lives of seafarers who rely on precise and trustworthy systems every day.”
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Felix Tschudi, Chairman of Tschudi Group, highlighted the need for industry-wide cooperation: “As a fifth-generation shipping company, we’ve witnessed the evolution of maritime navigation, but never before have we faced technological threats like GPS jamming and spoofing. These disruptions pose a serious risk to vessel safety, crew welfare, and the reliability of global trade routes. The industry must act collectively to address these vulnerabilities to protect maritime personnel and assets.”
The solution draws on NAL Research’s more than 25 years of expertise in APNT technology, backed by SGM’s extensive maritime sector experience and Tschudi’s global shipping presence.
The Iridium PNT service delivers a fully authenticated and resilient L-band signal, supporting robust and trusted location services for high-value maritime assets.
The companies believe this partnership will set a new standard for reliable maritime navigation and asset safety in a period of increasing electronic risks.
