The maritime industry is facing an escalating crisis in GPS and GNSS reliability, and a new alliance is stepping up to combat the threat. Tschudi Shipping Company, NAL Research, and SGM Technology have joined forces to deliver a resilient navigation and tracking solution, backed by Iridium’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. This isn’t just another tech pilot—it’s a direct response to a surge in GPS jamming, spoofing, and interference that’s disrupting global trade and endangering lives at sea.
The stakes are high. Maritime authorities, including P&I club NorthStandard, have reported a staggering 350% increase in affected vessels over the past six months. These disruptions aren’t just technical glitches; they’re causing collisions, delays, and financial losses, while heightening security risks for crews. The industry can no longer afford to treat GPS vulnerabilities as a secondary concern.
This collaboration brings together unique expertise. NAL Research, a US-based specialist in Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT), is leveraging its 25+ years of experience to develop solutions built on Iridium’s PNT service—a fully authenticated L-band signal resilient to spoofing and jamming. SGM Technology, with 15+ years in maritime tech, ensures the solution is tailored to real-world operational needs. Meanwhile, Tschudi Shipping’s 140+ years in commercial shipping and logistics provides global reach and industry insight.
The result? A state-of-the-art tool that immediately detects spoofing and ensures reliable asset tracking and navigation, even in the most remote and challenging environments. Trials are already underway with top-tier shipowners, signaling a shift from theoretical discussions to practical action.
“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.”
Steffen Grefsgård, CEO of SGM Technology, echoed this urgency: “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.”
Felix Tschudi, Chairman of the Tschudi Group, emphasized the need for collective action: “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.”
Rohit Braggs, Iridium Vice President of PNT, highlighted the immediate availability of these solutions: “We’re proud to support our valued partners to enable this vital service in the critically important maritime markets. Iridium PNT-enabled technologies are available today and provide trusted location services for high-value assets—and more importantly, help to keep mariners safe.”
This alliance is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a call to arms for the maritime industry. As GPS threats continue to evolve, collaboration and innovation will be key to safeguarding global trade and the lives of those who keep it moving. The question now is: will the rest of the industry follow suit, or will they wait for the next crisis to strike?