PntGuard™: The Game-Changer in Maritime Security
In the constantly evolving maritime domain, maintaining the integrity of navigational data has never been more critical. The recent launch of
PntGuard™, a joint venture by Tschudi Shipping Company, NAL Research, and SGM Technology AS, marks a significant advancement in maritime security solutions aimed at combating GNSS spoofing and jamming. As the threat of signal interference intensifies, PntGuard™ offers a beacon of hope for ensuring safe and reliable maritime operations.
The Rising Threat of GNSS Spoofing
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are increasingly vulnerable, as malicious actors find new ways to disrupt or falsify positioning data. These threats can emerge from multiple sources, including hostile maritime assets and land-based systems, often leaving crews unaware until the consequences are dire. Malicious manipulation of navigation signals can lead to catastrophic outcomes: collisions, unauthorized entry into restricted waters, and insurance disputes—all of which jeopardize safety and compliance.
Recognizing these risks, industry leaders are amplifying calls for comprehensive measures to bolster operational resilience. This is where PntGuard™ comes into play.
How PntGuard™ Works
PntGuard™ is hailed as the most robust solution currently available in maritime navigation. Unlike existing systems that only issue warnings when GNSS signals are disrupted, PntGuard™ provides a reliable alternative position data that is independently verified. Using Iridium® satellite technology, the PntGuard™ system is equipped to receive powerfully secured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) signals—approximately 1,000 times more potent than standard GNSS/GPS signals.
This means that even if GNSS systems are compromised, PntGuard™ continues to deliver accurate position data, allowing vessels to navigate safely and maintain operational integrity.
Installation and User Experience
The installation of PntGuard™ is designed to be user-friendly, with two compact units being swiftly set up on vessels. An
above-deck unit connects seamlessly to the Iridium PNT service, while a
below-deck unit provides real-time navigation data, showcasing both the manipulated GPS track and the vessel’s legitimate position on nautical charts. This functionality allows crews to make informed navigational decisions rapidly, thus ensuring safety at sea.
Operational Benefits
One paramount advantage of utilizing PntGuard™ is the accessibility of a verified position record. This is particularly relevant for shore operations where accurate data is crucial for compliance with charter agreements and regulatory requirements. Should disputes arise based on false GNSS data, PntGuard™ serves as definitive proof of a vessel's true position, essential for safeguarding a company's revenue and reputation.
Proven Performance
Backed by thorough testing through multi-month sea trials with leading international shipowners and assessments by prominent maritime war risk insurers, PntGuard™ has proven its reliability in addressing these security threats. The technology underlying PntGuard™ has also been affirmed through independent evaluations in various renowned testing programs, ensuring it meets industry rigors and standards.
Conclusion: A Flexible Solution for a Growing Threat
Currently, PntGuard™ solutions are being scaled according to fleet size, highlighting its flexibility and affordability. With the demand for advanced maritime security growing, the launch of PntGuard™ is both timely and necessary. Tschudi Shipping Company, NAL Research, and SGM Technology AS have set a new benchmark in maritime security, offering a viable defense against increasingly sophisticated threats to navigational integrity. For more insights about PntGuard™, visit
Pnt-Guard.com.
About the Partners
Tschudi Shipping Company
With a legacy spanning over 100 years, Tschudi Shipping is a fourth-generation Norwegian family-owned shipping company committed to delivering exceptional client value through tailored logistics solutions.
NAL Research
Based in Virginia, NAL Research specializes in Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing technologies, serving defense and commercial sectors with secure solutions in GPS-denied environments.
SGM Technology
Headquartered in Oslo, SGM Technology is renowned for developing innovative satellite and compliance solutions for maritime and fisheries sectors, improving operational safety and efficiency.