By Oitha Marine — Trusted Offshore Support & Marine Technology Partner in West Africa
The Hidden Threat in Modern Navigation
In today’s digital maritime world, nearly every vessel — from offshore support ships to AHTS DP vessels — relies heavily on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.
However, GNSS interference is becoming a silent but serious threat to maritime safety, dynamic positioning (DP) operations, and offshore logistics — particularly across West Africa and Nigeria, where vessels increasingly depend on satellite-based navigation for offshore oil and gas operations.
What Is GNSS Interference in Vessels?
GNSS interference occurs when satellite navigation signals are disrupted, blocked, or manipulated before reaching the vessel’s receiver.
These signals, already very weak when they arrive from space, can easily be disturbed by intentional jamming, signal spoofing, or environmental factors.
Common Types of GNSS Interference:
1. Jamming:
Occurs when a device transmits radio noise on GNSS frequencies.
2. Spoofing:
A malicious actor sends fake GPS signals to mislead navigation systems.
The vessel appears to drift or “jump” to false positions.
3. Multipath Interference:
Signals reflect off ship structures or nearby platforms, creating errors.
4. Natural Disturbances:
Solar flares or atmospheric activity affecting signal transmission.
How GNSS Interference Affects Vessel Operations
Affected System Impact on Vessel
Dynamic Positioning (DP) Loss of station keeping or unintended vessel drift
Navigation Systems Incorrect course or false positions on ECDIS
AIS and Tracking False vessel data or “ghost ships” displayed
Fleet Monitoring Wrong location reporting to clients or operations center
Safety Alarms Triggered due to data mismatch or signal loss
For AHTS DP vessels, survey support vessels, and offshore supply ships, such interference can delay projects, increase fuel consumption, or even lead to accidents and equipment damage.
How to Detect GNSS Interference Onboard
Unexplained “Position Reference Lost” alarms on DP systems
Sudden or unrealistic jumps in vessel position
AIS targets disappearing or overlapping
Discrepancies between radar, gyro, and GPS position
Multiple nearby vessels showing identical incorrect positions
Oitha Marine recommends continuous GNSS monitoring tools and crew awareness training to identify interference early.
How to Prevent or Mitigate GNSS Interference
1. Use Multiple Positioning Systems
Combine GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and terrestrial sensors (radar, gyro, hydroacoustic, taut wire).
DP vessels should never rely on a single GNSS reference.
2. Install Anti-Jamming and Anti-Spoofing Equipment
Modern solutions like GPSdome, Thales Resilient PNT, or NovAtel GAJT provide enhanced protection against spoofing and jamming.
3. Integrate Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
INS continues to estimate position accurately when satellite signals are lost — essential for offshore and DP operations.
4. Crew Training and Reporting
Train crew to identify, respond, and report interference incidents to NAVAREA coordinators and marine authorities.
5. Ongoing Software and Firmware Updates
Regular updates to navigation systems improve resilience and compatibility with multi-constellation GNSS.
Oitha Marine’s Commitment to Safe Navigation
At Oitha Marine, we understand that safe offshore operations depend on accurate positioning and reliable navigation.
Our team provides:
DP vessel chartering (150–200 BP) in Nigeria and West Africa
Technical support for dynamic positioning systems
GNSS monitoring and interference mitigation solutions
Crew training and safety awareness programs
Oitha Marine ensures your offshore operations remain safe, efficient, and compliant with international maritime standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What causes GNSS interference on ships?
It can be caused by intentional jamming, spoofing, signal reflections, or natural disturbances from the ionosphere.
2. How can a vessel detect GNSS spoofing?
By monitoring for sudden position jumps, loss of fix, or inconsistent data across multiple sensors like radar and gyro.
3. What’s the best backup when GPS fails?
Use Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), radar fixes, or manual navigation methods as backup.
4. Is GNSS interference common in West Africa?
Yes — several regions in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea have reported intermittent GNSS disruption affecting offshore and coastal operations.
5. How can Oitha Marine help?
Oitha Marine provides chartered DP vessels, technical GNSS solutions, and trained marine professionals to ensure your operations are unaffected by interference.
Conclusion
GNSS interference poses a real threat to maritime safety — but with proper systems, training, and partnerships, vessels can operate safely even in high-risk regions.
Partner with Oitha Marine to secure your offshore navigation and vessel positioning with cutting-edge technology and expert support.
Visit OithaMarine.com to learn more about our DP vessel services and GNSS resilience solutions.
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