DNK launches signal protection programme

The initiative, described by DNK as an industry first, enables members to access approved A-PNT service providers while benefitting from reduced insurance premiums. The programme is designed to improve navigational resilience and operational safety for Norwegian-owned and controlled vessels operating in high-risk regions.

“Over the past five years, we have seen a sharp increase in GNSS interference, especially in the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea and more recently, in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea,” said DNK chief executive Svein Ringbakken.

“This programme offers our members the opportunity to lower premiums by investing in cost-effective A-PNT solutions to maintain situational awareness, safety, and positioning integrity.”

According to DNK project manager Alan Belardinelli, hostile actors can exploit commercially available jamming and spoofing equipment to disrupt ships’ navigation systems.

“GNSS jamming and spoofing not only compromise situational awareness, the intentional manipulation of positioning data can also lead vessels into sanctioned or restricted zones,” Belardinelli said.

DNK evaluated several providers before selecting solutions based on Iridium Communications’s global low Earth orbit satellite network. The insurer said Iridium’s signal is significantly more resilient than traditional GNSS signals.

Rohit Braggs said the system provides ‘strength, reliability and trust when it matters most’, ensuring vessels can continue operating safely when GNSS signals are disrupted.

The subscription-based systems are designed for simple installation, minimal crew training and enhanced onboard situational awareness.