#Norway #Lysaker #NAL Research #Tschudi Shipping #GNSS Security

Introduction to PntGuard™

The maritime industry now faces unprecedented threats from GNSS spoofing and jamming. Recognizing this urgent need for enhanced operational security, Tschudi Shipping Company, along with NAL Research and SGM Technology, has launched PntGuard™—a revolutionary maritime security solution designed to deliver unmatched situational awareness. As established navigation systems become increasingly unreliable due to malicious activities, PntGuard™ offers critical support for autonomous navigation, independent of any compromised gateway systems.

The Rise of Electronic Warfare and its Impact

Recent trends indicate a steep rise in malicious GNSS/GPS signal disruptions. These attacks can occur from land-based systems, hostile vessels, or opportunistically within busy maritime routes, often without the crew's knowledge that their position has been compromised. Such disruptions have been deemed a strategic threat with the potential to inflict serious physical damage, legal repercussions, and substantial financial losses. Malicious actors can mislead a vessel's GPS data, placing it miles away from its actual location, crafting false AIS tracks, and triggering system failures that jeopardize the crew's safety. These incidents amplify a range of risks, including:

• - Collisions and Groundings: Increased likelihood, particularly in poor visibility or congested areas, endangering lives and the environment.
• - Unauthorized Entry into Restricted Waters: Resulting in legal obligations and penalties.
• - Allegations of Sanction Evasion: Unintended breaches that can severely strain diplomatic relations.
• - Logistical Destabilization: Complications leading to increased fuel consumption and emissions.
• - Insurance Complications: Issues arising from perceived regulatory non-compliance, risking sailing privileges.

Concerns regarding these issues have been raised at the highest levels within maritime transport, prompting major insurers to advocate for immediate measures to bolster operational resilience.

PntGuard™: A User-Friendly, Robust Solution

PntGuard™ utilizes advanced APNT (Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) technology, establishing itself as the most resilient solution available. Unlike many alternatives, which merely alert users to GNSS disruptions, PntGuard™ provides verified, alternative positioning information through a low Earth orbit satellite communication network—specifically, Iridium®. This signal is approximately 1,000 times stronger than traditional GNSS/GPS signals, effectively resisting jamming and spoofing attempts. Within a vessel's navigation framework, PntGuard™ offers real-time situational awareness, instantly alerting the crew to any manipulations or interruptions.

Installation is straightforward; PntGuard™ consists of two compact units: one above deck (the APNT receiver), linked to the Iridium service, and another below deck (the bridge display), reflecting real-time imagery of compromised GPS routes alongside the vessel's actual location on nautical charts.

Assurance, Compliance, and Real-Time Proof

Most crews lack awareness of spoofing until it’s too late. PntGuard™ provides a critical truth point, enabling teams to respond promptly and navigate with confidence. Furthermore, shore personnel can obtain accurate location records at all times—evidence that can be shared with charterers or insurers to counter any claims based on incorrect data, thereby protecting revenue and business reputation.
Self-touted as an affordable and adaptable system, PntGuard™ has undergone extensive validation. Its functionality was tested during multi-month sea trials in collaboration with leading international shipowners, further supplemented by pilot evaluations with DNK, a prominent marine war risk insurer, as well as independent assessments during two successive years at the Jammertest in Andøya, Norway.

Conclusion and Availability

As maritime security concerns rise amid increasing electronic warfare, fleet operators can deploy PntGuard™ immediately to counteract this insidious and escalating threat. For additional information about integrating PntGuard™ into your operations, visit Pnt-Guard.com.

About the PntGuard™ Partnership

PntGuard™ was born from collaborative expertise among the Tschudi Shipping Company, NAL Research, and SGM Technology, uniting their strengths in satellite resilience, maritime technology, and ship operations. Founded over a century ago, Tschudi Shipping Company remains a fifth-generation family business focused on maritime transport and logistics, while NAL Research Corporation leads in resilient positioning and communication technology, and SGM Technology specializes in innovative digital and compliance systems for marine applications. Together, they aim to enhance operational security across the maritime industry.