Partners plan to tackle navigation threats

Norwegian partners Tschudi Shipping and SGM Technology have teamed up with NAL Research, based in Virginia, US, to tackle the growing threats to navigation systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

The P&I Club, NorthStandard, has reported a 350% increase in the incidence of navigation interference over the past six months. These include spoofing and jamming and have serious consequences including ship accidents and heightened security risks for crews at sea.

Shipowner and manager Tschudi is now working with shipping and fisheries technology provider, SGM Technology, and NAL Research, a specialist in positioning, navigation and timing, to develop a robust navigation and tracking system based on Iridium’s low-earth orbit satellite network.

The system provides global coverage and reliable low-latency communications and can detect if a vessel is being spoofed. Trials are currently underway with a number of shipowners.

Tschudi Group chairman, Felix Tschudi, said: “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.”