Marlink reports 50% surge in satellite jamming and spoofing as geopolitical tensions impact global shipping

Vessels operating in affected areas are more exposed to signal manipulation

Oslo and Paris, 25 March 2026. Marlink, a global leader in secure managed services for business-critical digital solutions, reports a more than 50% increase in detected and reported Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference incidents across its customer base during March, highlighting a growing operational risk for vessels operating in sensitive regions.

The rise in disruption is closely linked to evolving geopolitical conditions, particularly in areas such as the Middle East, where electronic interference including jamming and spoofing is increasingly affecting maritime operations.

Collectively known as GNSS, services including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou, underpin core vessel operations. These signals support not only effective navigation but also satellite acquisition across all maritime antenna types, including those used in distress alerting systems. Low signal strength makes maritime satcom inherently vulnerable to local interference through jamming and spoofing, with the potential to disrupt safe and effective operations due to impacting service quality and availability.

Recent observations show that interference events are no longer isolated. Instead, they are becoming a persistent feature along key maritime routes, requiring operators to adopt a more resilient and informed approach to navigation and connectivity. Marlink is actively monitoring these developments through its global network operations and supporting customers with both operational guidance and technical solutions. Practical steps for vessels operating in affected regions already communicated to its customer base include:

• Restarting antenna control systems if incorrect GNSS data is detected

• Verrifying vessel position against onboard systems and updating manually where required

• Checking GNSS data integrity after exiting interference zones

• Power cycling affected terminals where necessary to restore service

Alongside operational guidance, Marlink is deploying resilience measures that strengthen the integrity of positioning, navigation and timing used by satellite communications systems. These include the use of interference-resistant GNSS reception, filtering and suppression of disruptive signals, and the ability to identify abnormal signal behaviour in real time. By combining improved signal reception with onboard mitigation techniques and continuous monitoring, these capabilities help maintain stable antenna pointing, accurate positioning and service continuity, even when GNSS signals are degraded or manipulated.

Integrated within Marlink’s Possibility Portfolio, these capabilities provide fleet operators with visibility, control and the ability to maintain service continuity across hybrid networks, even when GNSS signals are compromised.

“Maritime operators are facing an unprecedented level of GNSS interference in certain regions today,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink. “When positioning is compromised, it can quickly impact both connectivity and safety systems onboard. Our role is to support customers with the insight, guidance and resilient solutions they need to maintain safe and efficient operations in these environments.”

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Knut Natvig

Marlink

T: +47 48 030 911

E: knut.natvig@marlink.com  

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About Marlink

For companies operating in the world’s most challenging environments – from merchant vessels to offshore and onshore energy operations, from humanitarian organisations to cruise ships and superyachts – Marlink creates and delivers possibilities, anywhere.

Marlink is a managed service provider and global leader in remote ICT solutions with annual revenues surpassing $800 million and 1,500 employees operating in more than 30 countries.

Wherever our customers are in the world, we deliver them possibilities to work smarter and to operate more effectively, more safely, more sustainably - without the limitations of technology.

With our possibility platform, we enable a comprehensive suite of end-to-end managed solutions (Connectivity, Network, Cyber Security, Cloud & IT, IoT & Apps), supported by professional services, unmatched global operations and delivery capabilities and local support teams.

As a global company with a local focus we help make tomorrow’s possibilities today’s realities.

For further information please visit www.marlink.com.