Windward has reported that the container ship MSC Antonia which ran aground in the Red Sea close to Jeddah Port, on May 10, likely did so due to GPS jamming.
According to Windward’s Maritime AI™ platform, analysis of the vessel’s data revealed distinct spoofing patterns that indicate the ship may have been misled by manipulated GPS signals. The incident occurred in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, heightening concerns among maritime authorities and operators.
The MSC ANTONIA ran aground near the Eliza Shoals, close to Jeddah Port, reportedly due to GPS jamming on May 10.
Windward’s Maritime AI™ visualized the spoofing patterns, part of a wider trend in the Red Sea.
We’re actively tracking this evolving threat. Stay tuned. /9VTBl0Ss5e
— Windward (@WindwardAI) May 12, 2025
The MSC ANTONIA ran aground near the Eliza Shoals, close to Jeddah Port, reportedly due to GPS jamming on May 10.
Windward’s Maritime AI™ visualized the spoofing patterns, part of a wider trend in the Red Sea.
We’re actively tracking this evolving threat. Stay tuned. /9VTBl0Ss5e
— Windward (@WindwardAI) May 12, 2025
Windward’s ongoing analysis has visualized a growing network of spoofing anomalies affecting commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea.
Jamming is the intentional Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) with GNSS signals. It occurs when interference disrupts the signals at GNSS frequencies, preventing the GNSS receiver from detecting and processing the authentic signal. This happens because the strength of the jamming device exceeds that of the weaker GNSS signals received.
Spoofing involves transmitting a fake GNSS signal to deceive receivers, causing them to compute incorrect PNT data. This should not be confused with Automatic Identification System (AIS) spoofing, where altered or fabricated AIS data is transmitted to deceive AIS tracking systems regarding a ship’s identity, position, and other information.
Britannia P&I Club has advised the following steps if a GNSS /disruption is detected:
The Club has also recommended that shipowners and operators develop a response plan for GNSS disruption as part of their Safety Management System.
