The maritime industry is waking up to a sobering reality: GPS is no longer a reliable crutch. As electronic warfare tactics grow more sophisticated, shipowners are scrambling to shore up their navigation systems. Enter PntGuard, a new maritime-security solution that’s been battle-tested against military-grade threats and is now ready for prime time.
PntGuard has been rigorously tested by international shipowners covering over 100,000 nautical miles, including trials against modern electronic warfare threats in Norway’s Jammertest. The system, developed by Tschudi Shipping Company, NAL Research, and SGM Technology, provides pinpoint situational awareness and navigational integrity when GNSS signals can’t be trusted.
This isn’t just another navigation tool—it’s a lifeline. PntGuard operates as a standalone system, delivering instant alerts the moment a vessel’s position is falsified. When other bridge systems are compromised, PntGuard provides true position data, ensuring crews can navigate safely even under electronic attack.
The stakes are high. Malicious disruption of GNSS signals is on the rise, with attacks originating from land-based systems, hostile vessels, or even opportunistic interference in congested sea lanes. Crews often don’t realise their position has been manipulated, leading to collisions, groundings, unintended entry into restricted waters, and even false claims of sanctions evasion. Charter disputes and insurance challenges can arise when vessels appear to breach compliance boundaries based on falsified data.
PntGuard tackles these threats head-on. Enabled by the Iridium low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, it receives a secured PNT signal about 1,000 times more powerful than GNSS, making it resilient to jamming and spoofing. The solution provides accurate situational awareness, alerting crews to manipulation or interruption in real time.
The system comprises two compact components: an above-deck unit that connects to the Iridium PNT service and a below-deck bridge display that shows both the falsified GPS track and the vessel’s true position on a nautical chart. Shore offices can also receive an accurate record of a vessel’s true position, providing proof that can be shared with charterers or insurers to defend against false claims.
This partnership brings together expertise from resilient satellite services, maritime technology, and vessel operations. Tschudi Shipping Company, a fifth-generation Norwegian family-owned shipping and logistics group, focuses on client value through tailored solutions and digital innovation. NAL Research Corporation, based in Virginia, USA, is a leader in Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT) technologies, providing secure, resilient communications and tracking solutions. SGM Technology, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, develops advanced satellite-based digital and compliance systems for the maritime and fisheries sectors.
As electronic warfare threats continue to evolve, PntGuard represents a critical step forward in maritime security. By providing reliable, independent navigation data, it ensures vessels can operate safely and efficiently, even in the face of sophisticated attacks. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about safeguarding lives, assets, and the environment in an increasingly uncertain world.