Safe navigation in times of jamming & spoofing

Jamming and spoofing attacks are a growing threat to navigation today. As a result of such attacks, navigators cannot always trust or rely on the position provided by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). However, Anschütz ECDIS NX ensures safe navigation even under adverse conditions.

In the event of jamming and spoofing, the ship’s crew must rely on traditional means of positioning. Anschütz has therefore equipped ECDIS NX with intelligent features and tools that enable the user to apply these traditional techniques. This approach combines the best of both worlds: traditional methods and the merits of modern technology. ECDIS NX continuously monitors the integrity of sensor data. In the case of an inconsistent position input, ECDIS NX estimates the position based on speed and heading from validated sensors – or alternatively from manual input – using the so-called dead reckoning mode. However, in this mode, the uncertainty of the position increases over time, which can pose a risk to navigational safety.

The Anschütz ECDIS NX introduces a Most Probable Position (MPP) feature, to raise awareness of the uncertainty in these non-GNSS situations. This feature visualises the increasing range of uncertainty based on the plotted position and a time factor. To restore accurate positioning and ensure safe navigation, the Pool of Error (PoE) feature allows the crew to reduce the displayed range of position uncertainty using traditional methods. These can include manual position fixes based on bearings, distances or depth lines. This makes the ECDIS almost as easy to use as the GNSS.

In addition to ECDIS, jamming and spoofing can also affect the performance of gyrocompasses, as they are speed- and latitude-dependent, depending on their design and operation.

However, studies by Anschütz have shown that the Anschütz Standard 22 NX and Anschütz Standard 30 MF gyrocompasses are highly resistant to harmful influences. The Standard 30 MF, for example, can operate for at least 28 days without latitude input, and erroneous inputs can be corrected manually at any time in Anschütz heading management systems. Downstream systems such as autopilots or dynamic positioning systems also benefit from this robustness.

For further information on Anschütz products and systems you may contact the Official Distributor and Support Center for Greece:

Aegean Electronics SA

4 Zosimadon Str, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

Tel: +30 210 4123000

E-mail: info@aegeanel.com