The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reports a significant increase in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference with ships in the Gulf between October 3 and 7.
The sea areas around Bandar-e-Pars, the Strait of Hormuz and Port Sudan were particularly affected. As a result of the disruptions, widespread “AIS speed anomalies” occurred in the Gulf, near Port Sudan and in the Suez Canal.
In Qatar, the local Ministry of Transport imposed a nationwide suspension of shipping activities on October 4 – a measure that was described as “practically unprecedented”. The ban was partially lifted on Monday: Non-conventional ships are allowed to sail again during the day, while restrictions remain in place at night. LNG carriers and other commercial vessels appeared to be exempt from the restrictions. AIS data continued to show movement off Doha and Ras Laffan, according to analysis by Trident Risk Advisors.
Iran causing the disruption?
Reports from Doha speak of position drifts in the direction of Iran, which fuels speculation about targeted electronic interference or GPS spoofing. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) had already given similar indications in May. At the time, it advised increased vigilance in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea and not to rely solely on electronic navigation or autopilot.
GNSS jamming and spoofing have been considered a growing threat to shipping routes for years – from the Baltic Sea to the Persian Gulf. Experts warn that so-called “hybrid jamming” could pose serious risks to international trade routes and energy supply chains.
Report incidents immediately
The UKMTO is calling on ships in the voluntary reporting area to report incidents involving navigation systems immediately and, if possible, to provide images or video footage of the affected devices.
The UKMTO is a central organization of the British Royal Navy, which is responsible in particular for coordinating safety and information exchange in international maritime traffic, especially in high-risk regions such as the Red Sea, the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. UKMTO acts as a direct point of contact between merchant ships and military forces to protect shipping in these areas and issues regular warnings and safety advisories.
