GNSS Jamming Threatens Global Shipping—Insurers Strike Back With 15% Fix
NorthStandard offers members a 15% discount on PntGuard™ to authenticate ship positions in real time.
The partnership comes as interference incidents increasingly disrupt commercial shipping worldwide, compromising safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Under the agreement, NorthStandard Members gain access to PntGuard™ at a 15% discount, reflecting the insurer’s commitment to providing innovative loss prevention tools. The platform, which joins NorthStandard’s GetSET!
These attacks disrupt, impair, or even invalidate the navigation and situational awareness data that crews rely on, sending vessels off course and exposing operators to compliance breaches and insurance claims. According to Alexander Wiik, Chief Commercial Officer at SGM Technology, “GNSS interference is no longer confined to conflict zones, it’s disrupting commercial shipping globally, with far-reaching consequences for revenues, compliance, and crew safety.".
However, this dependence has also made the sector vulnerable to deliberate interference.
PntGuard™ tackles this challenge by providing continuous, authenticated ship positions independent of GNSS. Built on NAL Technologies’ (Naltec) assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) solution, the platform utilises Iridium® PNT satellite service to deliver reliable data even when traditional GNSS signals are compromised. With over a decade of proven performance in commercial and defence applications, Naltec’s APNT technology currently supports thousands of devices in the field.
The system works by comparing a vessel’s GNSS feed with a fully authenticated signal. When discrepancies are detected, PntGuard™ triggers instant visual and audible alerts, allowing crews to respond swiftly and maintain navigational resilience. Colin Gillespie, Global Head of Loss Prevention at NorthStandard, emphasised the platform’s impact: “At a time when GNSS integrity is threatened as never before, PntGuard enables early warning of interference events, upholding situational awareness and reducing Member exposure to navigation-related incidents.”
How PntGuard™ Integrates with NorthStandard’s Digital Safety Portfolio
PntGuard™ is not just a standalone solution; it complements NorthStandard’s broader GetSET! initiative, which curates vessel-based technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and crew skills.
The platform’s ability to detect spoofing and overcome jamming ensures vessels remain on track, even in high-risk areas.
The GetSET! portfolio also includes Shipin’s FleetVision™, a visual fleet management tool that enhances operational oversight, and VPS-powered Fuel Insights, which optimises fuel consumption and reduces emissions. Together, these technologies form a comprehensive suite of digital tools designed to address the multifaceted challenges of modern maritime operations. By combining PntGuard™ with these existing solutions, NorthStandard is positioning itself as a leader in maritime risk mitigation, offering Members a competitive edge in an increasingly complex operating environment.
The rise of GNSS interference has made such technologies indispensable. With incidents now occurring in non-conflict zones, the maritime industry faces unprecedented challenges in maintaining operational integrity. PntGuard™ addresses these risks by providing a self-contained system that operates independently of traditional GNSS infrastructure, offering a critical layer of protection for crews and cargo alike. This independence is particularly crucial for vessels operating in geopolitically sensitive areas, where GNSS signals are often the first target in hybrid warfare tactics.
For NorthStandard Members, the partnership represents a proactive step toward mitigating navigation-related risks. The 15% discount on PntGuard™ access underscores the insurer’s commitment to equipping its clients with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape.
This discount is part of NorthStandard’s broader strategy to incentivise the adoption of digital safety technologies, which have been shown to reduce incident rates and lower insurance claims. Members can access the platform through NorthStandard’s dedicated portal, where they will also find training resources and technical support to ensure smooth integration with their existing systems.
What This Means for the Maritime Industry and Its Stakeholders
The introduction of PntGuard™ comes at a critical juncture for the maritime sector. As digitalisation accelerates, so too do the risks associated with cyber-physical threats. GNSS interference is no longer an abstract concern but a tangible operational hazard, with real-world consequences for safety, compliance, and profitability. For shipowners and operators, the ability to authenticate positioning data in real time is not just a competitive advantage, it is a necessity in an era where traditional navigation systems can no longer be taken for granted.
For insurers like NorthStandard, the partnership with SGM Technology reflects a broader industry shift toward proactive risk management. By offering Members access to cutting-edge technologies at discounted rates, NorthStandard is not only reducing its own exposure to claims but also fostering a culture of safety and resilience within the maritime community.
This approach aligns with the insurer’s long-term strategy of leveraging digital tools to enhance operational decision-making, as outlined by Colin Gillespie: “NorthStandard’s strategy to assist our members to leverage the capabilities of digitalisation has already brought significant gains for voyage safety and operational decision-making.”
The implications of GNSS interference extend beyond individual vessels. Disruptions to navigation systems can have cascading effects on global supply chains, leading to delays, increased costs, and potential shortages of critical goods. For example, a single spoofing incident in a busy shipping lane can force multiple vessels to alter their courses, creating bottlenecks and logistical challenges. By mitigating these risks, PntGuard™ helps ensure the smooth flow of trade, which is vital for economies worldwide.
Looking ahead, the adoption of PntGuard™ could set a new standard for navigational resilience in the industry. With thousands of Naltec’s APNT devices already deployed, the technology’s scalability and reliability make it a compelling option for operators seeking to future-proof their fleets against evolving cyber-physical threats.
As the maritime sector continues to embrace digitalisation, solutions like PntGuard™ will play an increasingly pivotal role in safeguarding global trade and ensuring the safety of seafarers. Operators interested in adopting the platform can find more information on NorthStandard’s official website or through their dedicated account managers, who can provide tailored advice on integration and training.
For those seeking to stay ahead of the curve, the partnership between NorthStandard and SGM Technology offers a clear path forward. In an industry where safety and efficiency are paramount, PntGuard™ represents more than just a technological innovation, it is a critical investment in the future of maritime navigation.
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