Problems with the GPS signal are increasing, with many sailors talking about chaos in the Gulf region.
Concern is growing day by day among sailors and shipping companies. More and more incidents involving the loss or spoofing of the GPS signal are being reported in the Gulf region, and those of us who travel there know well what it means to lose the GPS signal in the middle of the night. It’s not funny at all. You feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under your feet, and it’s completely normal.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported in recent days a significant increase in GNSS interference on vessels sailing in the Gulf region, between October 3 and 7.
Bomb from Qatar: Shipping halt in its waters due to GPS signal errors
The problems are mainly located around Bandar-e-Pars, the Strait of Hormuz, and Port Sudan. These interferences not only affect GPS but also cause spoofing of AIS device data, with the position of vessels “jumping” to different points from where they are actually located.
The Qatari Ministry of Transport partially lifted the general shipping ban it had imposed on October 4, now permitting navigation during the day and for conventional vessels.
You don’t see such bans easily, and they show how serious the problem of GPS interference has become. Those of us who have been in the region know that something like this creates chaos, especially for vessels already underway.
It’s worth mentioning that this ban was not applied to all vessels. LNG carriers and tankers continued their activities normally near Doha and Ras Laffan, according to data from Trident Risk Advisors and also testimonies we received from sailors who were going to load at the country’s terminal stations.
On the other hand, there are reports from Doha speaking of vessel signals being shifted towards Iran. Many talk about electronic interference or even GPS signal spoofing. If this is true, we are dealing with something much more dangerous than it appears.
The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) had already warned since May, asking vessels passing through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz to be on constant alert. Not to rely solely on electronic navigation means, nor on the autopilot. To also look “outside the window.”
Of course, in theory, everything is easy, since “looking outside the window” is purely metaphorical and in no way offers the safety and certainty of GPS.
Unfortunately, GPS interference and spoofing are now an everyday phenomenon on the major sea lanes, from the Baltic to the Persian Gulf. And this is not just another technical problem, but a huge threat to the safety of sailors, to the safety of navigation, and to global trade.
Vessels operating within the UKMTO Voluntary Reporting Area and encountering such anomalies are called upon to immediately send reports, along with photos or videos of their electronic equipment.
The truth is that during this period, concern is at a peak. Reports from fellow sailors are coming in continuously. Some lose GPS for minutes, others for hours. No one feels safe anymore when sailing in these areas.
However you look at it, the seas of the Middle East are no longer quiet. And when electronics fail you, then you understand how valuable human experience is. No matter how much technology advances, we will always need those who know how to read and respect the sea.
