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NAL Research, SGM Technology AS, and Tschudi Shipping Company Form Strategic Alliance

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding maritime operations, NAL Research, a leading U.S.-based innovator in assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) solutions, has partnered with SGM Technology AS, a premier provider of maritime technology solutions, and Tschudi Shipping Company, a logistic leader rooted in maritime services. This alliance seeks to develop and deliver a robust navigation and tracking solution tailored for commercial maritime vessels.

Addressing Critical Challenges in Maritime Navigation

As the maritime industry faces rising threats to GPS signals, including interference, spoofing, and other vulnerabilities, the urgency for reliable navigation systems has never been more pressing. Reports indicate a staggering 350% increase in incidents affecting maritime vessels worldwide over the past six months due to these GPS challenges, leading to potential collisions, shipping delays, and financial repercussions for global trade.

The newly formed collaboration intends to introduce state-of-the-art solutions leveraging Iridium's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, providing enhanced tracking and navigation capabilities. Both NAL Research and SGM bring decades of expertise to the table; the former with over 25 years in APNT and the latter with 15 years dedicated to maritime technology advancements. Their combined efforts aim to elevate safety standards while ensuring operational resilience in vulnerable maritime environments.

Unprecedented Collaboration for Enhanced Maritime Safety

“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our quest to enhance maritime security,” stated Robert Bills, President of NAL Research. “With the escalating threats to GPS reliability, safeguarding assets is no longer optional—it’s essential for the operational success of our clients.” The collaboration aims to prioritize situational awareness and security for the maritime community, especially in the most challenging conditions.

Steffen Grefsgård, CEO of SGM Technology, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ongoing risks: “The threat landscape concerning GPS interference is real and growing. Ensuring safety measures for navigation is vital not just for protecting cargo and vessels, but also for safeguarding the lives of mariners who rely on precise systems daily.”

Tschudi Shipping Company, a fifth-generation maritime enterprise, also voiced the gravity of the situation. Felix Tschudi, the company's president, noted that technological threats like GPS spoofing have created unprecedented hazards in navigation and logistics. “We must unite as an industry to tackle these vulnerabilities to protect our personnel and maritime assets,” he stressed.

Commitment to Innovation and Security

Supporting this innovative venture, Rohit Braggs, Vice President of PNT at Iridium, highlighted how their PNT-based technologies are already operational, delivering reliable positioning solutions for high-value assets, further enhancing navigator safety.

The partnership is presently undergoing operational testing to ensure functionality and effectiveness in real-world maritime scenarios, with an eye toward launching their comprehensive offering in the market soon.

About the Companies Involved

NAL Research is recognized for its cutting-edge connectivity and PNT solutions, tailored for the evolving demands of communications, data intelligence, and synchronization. In 2024, NAL Research merged with Blue Sky Network to expand its service offerings.

SGM Technology has spent the last decade advancing maritime solutions, focusing on high-efficiency reporting and tracking systems, particularly in commercial fishing and seismic sectors, addressing client challenges through innovative technology.

Tschudi Shipping Company has a storied history dating back to 1883, with a commitment to entrepreneurial spirits and innovative solutions for maritime challenges. The company’s collaboration with NAL Research and SGM Technology signifies its proactive approach toward addressing contemporary security threats in the maritime domain.

For more details on this strategic collaboration and initial inquiries regarding their APNT product offering, interested parties can contact [email protected] for NAL Research, [email protected] for SGM Technology, and [email protected] for Tschudi Group.