Recent reports indicate an alarming rise in GPS jamming and spoofing incidents along the Iranian coast, raising serious maritime security concerns in a critical shipping channel. The Maritime Information Cooperation and Sensitization Center (Mica) noted that approximately 970 vessels have encountered GPS disruptions since June 13. Notably, hotspots are emerging around significant ports like Bandar Abbas and Assaluyeh.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has observed a slight reduction in electronic disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, but threats remain high due to ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. The U.S. government has outlined a two-week timeline for promoting peaceful negotiations. This maritime turbulence was underscored by a recent collision between the tankers Front and Adalynn, both of which operated in an area notorious for satellite jamming.
Experts, including Orca Ai CEO Yardgen Gross, emphasize the vulnerability of traditional navigation systems amidst such interferences, likening it to navigating in a “digital fog.” While radar remains a primary anti-collision tool, maritime professionals advocate for AI-powered situational awareness systems that do not rely on GPS or AIS. Despite these challenges, maritime traffic patterns in the Strait of Hormuz show consistent daily movements of 50 to 73 ships in each direction, indicating resilience amid security concerns.
