Like many other industries, container terminals rely heavily on GPS for accurate positioning—supporting everything from container location tracking to the navigation and steering of automated equipment. However, this dependence exposes the sector to growing risks, particularly as incidents involving interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and the GPS network specifically, continue to rise.
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 2024 Annual Safety Report highlights a sharp spike in GNSS-related interference last year, with the highest levels reported in Türkiye, Iraq, and Egypt. Globally, air traffic interference rates increased by 175%, and GPS spoofing incidents surged by 500%.
Shipping has not been spared. On 13 May, the MSC Antonia ran aground in the Red Sea en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Speaking to WorldCargo News, Captain Steve Bomgardner, Vice President of Shipping and Offshore at Pole Star Global, said such an incident was only a matter of time. “I’ve seen firsthand how the rise in jamming, spoofing, and other AIS tampering has made our oceans more dangerous. A case like this was inevitable. I’m thankful that, in this instance, every seafarer came through safely.”
This article & imagery originally appeared in World Cargo News.
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