The maritime industry is facing a growing threat—one that’s invisible, insidious, and increasingly disruptive. GPS jamming and spoofing, once niche concerns, are now a global headache, with maritime authorities reporting a 350% surge in affected vessels in just six months. The fallout? Collisions, delays, financial losses, and most critically, safety risks for crews navigating high-risk regions. This isn’t just a tech issue; it’s a crisis demanding collective action.
Enter a powerhouse alliance: NAL Research, SGM Technology AS, and Tschudi Shipping Company. These players aren’t just reacting—they’re building a shield against these threats. Their collaboration aims to deliver high-reliability navigation and tracking solutions, leveraging Iridium’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. This isn’t about incremental upgrades; it’s about overhauling resilience in maritime navigation.
At the heart of the initiative is NAL Research’s expertise in assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT). Their technology, integrated with Iridium’s PNT service, offers a robust, authenticated L-band signal designed to withstand spoofing and jamming. This isn’t just another layer of security—it’s a fortress for vessels operating in GNSS-compromised environments.
SGM Technology AS brings over 15 years of maritime tech experience to the table, while Tschudi Shipping Company’s 140-year legacy in commercial shipping adds operational depth. Together, they’re not just developing tools; they’re crafting solutions that speak to real-world challenges.
“As a fifth-generation shipping company, we’ve witnessed the evolution of maritime navigation, but never before have we faced technological threats such as GPS jamming and spoofing,” said Felix Tschudi, chairman of Tschudi Group. “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.”
Trials of the new solution are already underway, marking a critical step toward operationalising this technology. The stakes are high, and the urgency is palpable. “Protection against GPS vulnerabilities is no longer a nice-to-have, but a necessity to ensure operational success and asset safety,” said NAL Research President Robert Bills. “Through this collaborative effort, we are aiming to achieve complete global situational awareness and increase safety at sea for our commercial maritime customers, even in the most remote and challenging situations.”
This partnership isn’t just about mitigating risks—it’s about redefining maritime safety. “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,” said Steffen Grefsgård, CEO of SGM Technology AS.
The maritime industry is at a crossroads. The rise of GPS interference demands more than reactive measures—it calls for proactive, collaborative innovation. This alliance is a beacon of that innovation, setting a precedent for how the industry can tackle emerging threats head-on. The question now is: who will follow their lead?