The other coastal states around the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, including Sweden and the United Kingdom, warn in a joint letter to the maritime industry about increased disruptions of satellite navigation and manipulation of AIS data. The countries identify Russia as the source of the problems and demand stricter compliance with international maritime regulations to counter the risks.
In the letter, signed by 14 nations including the Nordic countries, it is noted that modern shipping has developed a critical dependence on satellite-based navigation (GNSS) for positioning and time synchronization (PTN).
– These disruptions, originating from the Russian Federation, impair the safety of international shipping. All vessels are at risk, the countries write in the letter.
In addition to disruptions of navigation systems, the signatories also highlight the issue of spoofing, or falsification, of AIS data (Automatic Identification System). This undermines the ability for traffic coordination and complicates rescue operations in the event of accidents.
The appeal links the security situation to the increasing use of so-called shadow fleets that aim to circumvent international sanctions. To maintain safety in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, the countries demand that all vessels strictly adhere to international law.
Specific requirements listed include that vessels must sail under only one state's flag, maintain valid certification and insurance, and report incidents involving the discharge of oil or other harmful substances.
The authorities urge the international maritime community to ensure that vessels have sufficient capability and trained crew to navigate safely even in the absence of GNSS signals. They also call for cooperation in the development of alternative, land-based radio navigation systems that can be used if satellite systems are disrupted.
The letter, published on the British government's website, is signed by Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.