In a move that could reshape maritime navigation and tracking, NAL Research has teamed up with SGM Technology and Tschudi Shipping to tackle a growing menace in the commercial shipping industry: GPS and GNSS signal disruptions. This partnership, leveraging Iridium’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, aims to deliver a robust product line that promises reliable asset tracking and assured navigation, even in high-risk environments.
The need for such a solution is becoming increasingly urgent. Threats to GPS and GNSS signals—such as jamming, spoofing, and interference—are on the rise. In some regions, maritime authorities have reported a staggering 350% increase in affected vessels over the past six months, according to NorthStandard. These disruptions aren’t just technical glitches; they’re leading to real-world consequences, including collisions, delays, financial impacts on global trade, and heightened security risks for crews at sea.
NAL Research, a U.S.-based firm specializing in assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) solutions, brings over 25 years of expertise to the table. The company’s deep knowledge of APNT, tracking, and connectivity will be instrumental in developing solutions built on Iridium’s PNT service—a powerful, fully authenticated L-band signal that’s resilient to spoofing and jamming.
SGM Technology, with its 15+ years of experience delivering technology to the commercial maritime sector, adds another layer of industry know-how. Meanwhile, Tschudi Shipping Company, boasting a global presence and over 140 years in commercial shipping and logistics, provides the practical, on-the-ground insights that will ensure the solution meets real-world needs.
Together, the trio aims to provide maritime users with unmatched resilience and reliable navigation for GPS/GNSS-compromised environments. Trials of this state-of-the-art solution are already underway, marking a significant step toward mitigating the growing threats to maritime navigation.
The implications of this partnership extend far beyond the immediate goal of developing a resilient navigation and tracking product. It signals a shift in how the maritime industry approaches security and reliability in an era of increasing digital threats. As GPS and GNSS disruptions become more common, the need for alternative, secure navigation systems will only grow. This collaboration could set a precedent for future developments in the sector, encouraging other companies to invest in and innovate around resilient navigation technologies.
Moreover, the partnership highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration. By combining NAL Research’s technical expertise, SGM’s maritime technology experience, and Tschudi Shipping’s operational insights, the trio is creating a solution that is not only technologically advanced but also practically applicable. This holistic approach could inspire similar collaborations in the future, fostering a more integrated and resilient maritime industry.
As the trials progress and the solution is refined, the maritime industry will be watching closely. The success of this partnership could pave the way for a new era of navigation and tracking, one that is less vulnerable to disruption and more secure for crews and cargo alike. In the meantime, the message is clear: the maritime industry is taking the threat of GPS and GNSS disruptions seriously, and it’s fighting back with innovation and collaboration.