The Baltic and North Sea states, alongside Iceland, have issued a stark warning: the maritime world is under threat from a dual menace of shadow fleets and deliberate interference with satellite-based navigation systems. This isn’t just another technical hiccup—it’s a wake-up call about the fragility of the systems we rely on for safe and secure shipping.
The open letter, addressed to a broad range of maritime stakeholders, highlights the growing concern over the manipulation and disruption of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the Automatic Identification System (AIS). These systems are no longer mere conveniences; they are the backbone of modern navigation, and their integrity is critical. As Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss put it, “deliberate interference and manipulation pose a serious threat to maritime safety, the environment and the international regulations on which we all depend.”
The letter pulls no punches in describing the risks. GNSS interference has been on the rise, particularly in the Baltic Sea region, degrading the safety of all vessels operating in these waters. AIS manipulation is equally alarming, as it undermines traffic coordination, weakens situational awareness, increases collision risk, and hampers search and rescue operations. The signatory states are clear: these are not incidental technical failures but deliberate acts that threaten maritime safety and security.
Beyond navigation interference, the letter shines a light on the shadow fleet—vessels used to skirt international sanctions and regulatory oversight. These ships present a compounded risk, combining weak compliance with international conventions and operating practices that undermine safety at sea. The letter stresses that all vessels must comply with international law, including SOLAS, COLREG, MARPOL, and UNCLOS, and warns that vessels sailing under multiple flags for convenience may be treated as ships without nationality, with serious consequences under international law.
The call to action is clear: maritime safety planning must assume that satellite systems can fail or be deliberately disrupted. The letter urges vessels to be equipped with sufficient technical capacity, procedures, and crew training to operate safely during navigation outages. It also calls for cooperation on developing alternative terrestrial radionavigation systems that could be used when GNSS signals are lost or degraded. As the letter states, “Maintaining trust in maritime navigation requires more than technology, it demands responsibility, transparency and decisive action.”
This warning is backed by a broad coalition of Baltic and North Sea states, signalling a rare degree of regional alignment on maritime security concerns. By explicitly linking satellite interference, shadow fleet activity, and regulatory compliance, these coastal states are pressing for a firmer international response. They are making it clear that existing rules are only effective if they are enforced consistently and without political blind spots.
The maritime industry must heed this call. The threats are real, and the stakes are high. It’s time to strengthen our defences, ensure compliance, and build resilience beyond satellite systems. The safety of our seas and the integrity of our shipping lanes depend on it.