Article

New Study on GNSS Interference in the Baltic Sea


by GPSPATRON Sp. z o. o. - published on 12 March 2025 712 -

GNSS Interference in the Baltic Sea: A Collaborative Study by GPSPATRON and Gdynia Maritime University

Introduction

GNSS interference has become a growing challenge in the Baltic Sea, affecting maritime navigation, aviation, and critical infrastructure. While numerous datasets and services, such as gpsjam.org, spoofing.skai-data-services.com, and flightradar24, report high-altitude GNSS interference based on ADS-B data, there is a significant lack of studies focusing on ground-level interference. Since most critical infrastructure relies on GNSS at ground level, this gap in research leaves many questions unanswered about the real-world impact of interference on essential systems.

To bridge this knowledge gap, GPSPATRON and Gdynia Maritime University have established a scientific and technical collaboration aimed at systematically studying GNSS interference at ground level. This partnership combines GPSPATRON’s expertise in real-time GNSS interference monitoring and classification is complemented by the Faculty of Navigation at Gdynia Maritime University’s extensive knowledge of how GNSS spoofing and jamming affect maritime navigation, port security, and vessel operations.

The study, conducted from June to November 2024, utilized GPSPATRON’s proprietary GNSS interference monitoring system, integrating the GP-Probe TGE2-CH3 sensor and the GP-Cloud platform. The GP-Probe TGE2-CH3 is a high-end GNSS signal monitoring device designed to capture full-spectrum GNSS signals and transmit them in real time to GP-Cloud for processing. The sensor collects raw signal data, enabling comprehensive analysis of jamming, spoofing, and other anomalies affecting GNSS performance.

GP-Cloud, GPSPATRON’s cloud-based analytics platform, processes and interprets incoming data, identifying interference patterns, classifying anomalies, and providing real-time visualization. By working in tandem, the GP-Probe continuously streams data, while GP-Cloud applies advanced algorithms to detect disruptions, measure their impact, and generate detailed reports.

The sensor was installed on the Faculty of Navigation building at Gdynia Maritime University, directly on the shoreline at approximately 15 meters above sea level. The accompanying screenshot shows the exact installation location on a map, where detection range circles indicate the estimated distances at which interference sources with different antenna heights could be detected.

The primary goal of this research was to characterize the occurrence, patterns, and potential sources of GNSS interference affecting ground-level infrastructure. Unlike previous studies that relied on ADS-B data from aircraft at high altitudes, this research provided a unique perspective by focusing on low-altitude and ground-based disruptions. Through continuous monitoring and spectral analysis, the study aimed to identify the nature of interference, assess its impact on GNSS accuracy, and explore potential mitigation strategies.

This collaborative effort represents a significant step toward understanding and mitigating GNSS interference threats in the Baltic region. The findings contribute valuable insights to maritime authorities, port operators, and regulatory bodies, highlighting the need for enhanced GNSS monitoring capabilities to protect critical navigation and communication systems.

Key Findings

  • A total of 84 hours of GNSS interference was detected, confirming persistent disruptions in the region, primarily caused by jamming rather than spoofing.
  • October recorded the highest interference activity, with six major jamming incidents totaling 29 hours, highlighting an intensified interference pattern.
  • Two primary interference types were identified:
    • Multi-constellation jamming, detected throughout June to September, indicating broad-spectrum interference affecting multiple GNSS systems.
    • Multi-tone interference, first observed in October, suggesting a change in jamming tactics, potentially signaling more sophisticated techniques.
  • Long-duration interference events exceeding 7 hours were recorded, significantly disrupting GNSS-dependent maritime navigation, port operations, and infrastructure reliability.
  • Severe degradation in GNSS positioning accuracy was observed during interference events, with errors increasing from the nominal 3–5 meters to over 35 meters, posing safety and operational risks.
  • No correlation was found between terrestrial GNSS interference and ADS-B-based detections, reinforcing the limitations of relying solely on airborne interference monitoring systems to assess threats to ground-level infrastructure.
  • Strong indications of mobile maritime jamming sources were identified , with interference signals exhibiting movement patterns consistent with vessels navigating in the Baltic Sea.
 
Original article and download the full report here
Original article and download the full report here
Original article and download the full report here
Original article and download the full report here
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video How SHIP Navigate Through Ice (Part-2, Conversation With Pilot & Captain)

published on 29 May 2021

This is part -2 (CONVERSATION WITH PILOT AND CAPTAIN) In person Appearing - Captain Thomas Madsen Harbour Pilot, ST. Petersburg Company Credit - WWW.Maersk.com Location - Saint Petersburg, Russia Vessel - Venta Maersk Calender - (JANUARY - APRI), 2021 Music credit - Stock Music Filmora All video was shot on GoPro Hero 9 Edited through Adobe Light Room & Wondershare Filmora If you have not seen the 1st part find the link below How SHIP Navigate Through Ice (Part-1,...

1

Video Ship's Pilot by Helicopter / outside Rotterdam

published on 12 June 2024

Navigating to North Sea from port of Rotterdam. Disembarkation of Ship's Pilot by Helicopter in Stormy weather condition, North sea. High resolution video quality.
for inquiries
Email: alex.marinero1@gmail.com

0

Video BROFJORDEN (SWEDEN) ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE / Coastal islands, PREEM / Tanker manoeuvring, pilotage.

published on 15 March 2025

Arrival to and Departure from port of Brofjorden, Preem terminal, quay 5.
Ships handling and manoeuvrings of oil/chemical tanker during pilotage in restricted coastal waters and between beautiful Swedish islands. Approaching terminal, mooring & unmooring operations.
for inquiries
Email: alex.marinero1@gmail.com

0

Video A Day In Life of Sailors Piloting Tiny Container Ship

published on 14 March 2025

Welcome back to the Fluctus Channel for a feature behind the Model Ships used by captains in training centers. Fluctus is a website and YouTube channel dedicated to sea geeks. Whenever you are curious or an incorrigible lover of this mysterious world, our videos are made for you ! We publish 3 videos a week on our YouTube channel and many more articles on our website. Feel free to subscribe to not miss any of our updates and visit our website to discover additional content. Don’t forget to...

0

Article Houston Pilots Practice Part Art, Part Science in Guiding Ships to Port

published on 11 November 2020

Maritime pilots trace the roots of their profession back to the ancient Greeks and Romans when incoming ship captains employed experienced local fisherman to guide their merchant vessels safely into port. It’s a legacy of skill, strength, and sharp wits, and our Houston Pilots (“Pilots”) have been meeting vessels at Galveston’s bar to carry on these proud traditions for just shy of 100 years.

2

Article Man Overboard Training - Loodswezen Amsterdam-Ijmond

published on 20 May 2021

The man-overboard manoeuvre includes all measures to rescue a person who has fallen overboard from a watercraft.

0

Video Wind drift making headway - practical experiments for voyage planning and Rule of Thumb

published on 7 April 2021

Another good explaining video from Knud Benedict, ISSIMS

0

Article Update: "Pilot Ladder Safety" by Herman Broers (07-2021)

by Herman Broers - published on 6 July 2021

Here is the latest version of the professional handbuch of "pilot Ladder Safety" for the rigging and the use of pilot ladders by Herman Broers from July 2021.

0

Video A Day With Lough Foyle Pilots

published on 25 July 2022

July 21st 2022, a thrilling day for me when I met up with the Foyle Pilots and was given a tour and a trip out on pilot vessel Foyle Leader 2. I was in the company of Coxswain Tommy McDaid and several other pilots, I was taken out past tall ship Grace O'Malley then we collected the pilot from a cement carrier called Cemluna, then back to Greencastle, it was a fantastic experience. Many thanks to Tommy and the crew for making this happen. www.nightskyhunter.com

0

Video Thunder Child II fly past in appreciation of our Front-line workers

published on 25 May 2020

At Safehaven Marine it was great to be able to launch a new pilot boat for the Port of San Ciprian in Spain after nearly 2 months of Lockdown. She was nearly finished at the start of the lockdown. It sure was nice to be on the water again, even with social distancing.
We wanted to do something nice to lift everyone's spirits during these challenging times around the World, so we did a fly past our home Port of Cobh in Thunder Child II (Safehaven’s Transatlantic record attempt vessel) in...

0