#United States #Manassas #NAL Research #SGM Technology #Tschudi Shipping

NAL Research Partners with SGM Technology and Tschudi Shipping for Maritime Security

The maritime industry faces increasing challenges related to navigation safety and tracking high-value assets. To address these concerns, NAL Research, a pioneering U.S. company specializing in Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) solutions, has teamed up with SGM Technology AS, a leader in maritime technology, and Tschudi Shipping Company, a provider of shipping and logistics services, to create a robust solution that ensures reliable navigation and tracking for commercial vessels.

The collaboration is born out of an urgent need for effective monitoring and navigation in high-risk maritime environments, where threats to Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals—such as jamming, spoofing, and interference—have surged dramatically. Recent reports indicate a staggering 350% increase in maritime incidents due to these threats over the past six months. Consequences include dangerous collisions, delays, and significant financial ramifications for global trade, not to mention heightened risks for crews at sea.

The Power of Partnership

This strategic alliance leverages over 25 years of expertise from NAL Research in APNT and tracking technologies, coupled with SGM's more than 15 years of experience in providing advanced solutions for the commercial fishing sector and maritime industry. The partnership is further bolstered by Tschudi Shipping Company’s 140 years of operational presence in global shipping and logistics. Together, they aim to deliver unprecedented resilience and reliability in navigation for maritime users compromised by GPS/GNSS challenges. Currently, tests are underway for this groundbreaking solution.

Robert Bills, President of NAL Research, emphasizes the need for protection against GPS vulnerabilities, stating, “Understanding the comprehensive situation and enhancing maritime safety is now a necessity for our commercial marine clients, especially in remote and challenging environments.” Similarly, Steffen Grefsgård, CEO of SGM Technology AS, highlights that the reality of GPS jamming and spoofing is an increasing concern that must be addressed to safeguard vessels and the lives of seafarers dependent on precise navigation systems.

## Addressing Growing Concerns

Felix Tschudi, President of the Tschudi Group, reflects on his family’s long-standing maritime legacy, stating, “We have witnessed the evolution of maritime navigation, but we have never faced technological threats like GPS jamming and spoofing.” He recognizes this as a serious risk to shipping safety and stresses the need for a collective industry response to protect personnel and maritime assets.

Rohit Braggs, Vice President of the PNT division at Iridium, commends this vital partnership, stating, “Iridium’s PNT technologies are already available and provide reliable location services for valuable assets while enhancing the safety of seafarers.” The new solutions being developed through this collaboration aim to offer robust protection against the vulnerabilities of GPS by employing Iridium's reliable L-band signal, which is resistant to spoofing and jamming.

About the Partners

NAL Research

NAL Research is an industry leader in providing reliable and resilient connectivity and PNT solutions tailored to meet future demands in dynamic communication, data intelligence, localization, and synchronization. In 2024, they strategically merged with Blue Sky Network to optimize operations and provide transformative services to a diverse clientele of businesses and government entities.

SGM Technology

For over a decade, SGM Technology has been innovating solutions for the maritime industry, focusing on advanced reporting and tracking systems across various maritime sectors, including commercial fishing. Their core commitment is to solve client issues effectively and efficiently through innovation and customer-centric development.

Tschudi Shipping Company

Established in 1883, Tschudi Shipping Company AS is a family-run logistics enterprise based in Lysaker, Norway, with subsidiaries across several European countries and Mozambique. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability, they are determined to navigate the increasing threats posed by electronic warfare and data security vulnerabilities in the maritime sector.

Conclusion

As the maritime industry looks to the future, partnerships like that of NAL Research, SGM Technology, and Tschudi Shipping offer hope for safer and more reliable navigation solutions, ensuring the safety of vessels and crews amidst escalating technological threats. This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward securing the maritime shipping landscape against unforeseen vulnerabilities, allowing for more consistent and safe global trade operations.