Multi-party collaboration addresses serious threat to safety of navigation and visibility of high-value assets in degraded and compromised Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) environments

 Threats to GPS and GNSS signals such as spoofing, jamming and other interference are reaching unprecedented levels worldwide. In some regions, maritime authorities have reported a 350% increase in affected vessels over the past six months, according to P&I club NorthStandard. These disruptions are having serious consequences, including collisions, delays, financial impacts on global trade and heightened security risks for crews at sea.

IRIDIUM BACKBONE
To address the urgent need for reliable asset tracking and assured navigation in high-risk GPS/GNSS-compromised environments, Tschudi Shipping Company has joined forces with US-based Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) specialist NAL Research and shipping/fisheries technology provider SGM Technology AS to deliver a resilient navigation and tracking solution enabled by Iridium’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network ensuring global coverage.

Trials of the state-of-the-art tool, which immediately detects if a vessel is being spoofed, are currently in progress with a selection of top-tier shipowners.

DELIVERING GLOBAL SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
“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.”

"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.

“At SGM Technology, we are committed to developing robust solutions that help mitigate these risks and maintain the integrity of maritime operations.”

TIME FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
Tschudi Group Chairman Felix Tschudi added: "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.”

“We’re proud to support our valued partners to enable this vital service in the critically important maritime markets,” said Iridium Vice President of PNT, Rohit Braggs.

“Iridium PNT-enabled technologies are available today and provide trusted location services for high-value assets—and more importantly, help to keep mariners safe.”

UNIQUE COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Under the partnership, the companies are leveraging NAL Research’s 25+ years of expertise in APNT, tracking and connectivity to develop solutions built on the Iridium® PNT service, a powerful and fully authenticated L-band signal resilient to spoofing and jamming. The partnership will also benefit from SGM’s 15+ years of experience delivering technology to the commercial maritime sector and Tschudi’s global presence and 140+ years in commercial shipping and logistics.

To learn more about the partnership and for initial inquiries about its combined APNT offering, reach out to sales@nalresearch.com.

About NAL Research

• NAL Research is a pioneer in delivering trusted and resilient connectivity and PNT solutions – designed to meet the dynamic communications, data intelligence, location, and timing needs of the future.
• In 2024, NAL Research and Blue Sky Network strategically merged to optimize operations and provide a diverse enterprise and government customer base with transformative solutions and enhanced service and support.
• NAL and Blue Sky Network’s combined portfolio now includes emerging satellite and mobile technology products, satellite-based tracking systems, powerful APNT modules, intelligent software applications, IoT tracking, and two-way devices enabling seamless global connectivity.  

About SGM Technology

• SGM Technology has been delivering innovative solutions to the maritime industry for over a decade.
• The company specializes in developing advanced reporting and tracking systems for sectors such as commercial fishing, the seismic industry and other maritime operations.
• SGM’s core focus is solving client challenges in a productive, efficient and results-driven manner. With a commitment to technological innovation and customer-centric development,
•  SGM Technology continues to support the maritime sector with reliable, forward-thinking solutions.

About Tschudi Shipping Company

• Tschudi Shipping Company AS is a family-owned shipping and logistics company with its roots back to 1883.
•  The head office is at Lysaker Norway with subsidiaries in several European countries and in Mozambique.
• The group has been known through generations for its entrepreneurship and for finding new solutions to new and old maritime challenges.
• Recognizing that electronic warfare and vulnerable data security is an increasing threat to the maritime industry, Tschudi Shipping Company AS is excited to be working together with NAL Research and SGM Technology to use their already proven solutions combined and adapted to create a new solution tailormade for secure navigation and communication for the maritime industry.