AST Networks and SAL announce partnership and launch  

AST Networks, a leader in innovative communication and navigation technologies, has announced a partnership with SAL for the launch of the SAL SPU-100. This state-of-the-art high-precision navigation system is designed to meet and exceed the stringent requirements set by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), ensuring safe and efficient transit through one of the world’s most critical waterways.

The SAL SPU-100 is a built on proven technology and is trusted by pilot organisations globally as part of their Portable Pilot Units (PPU) systems. This advanced system enhances safety and efficiency during vessel navigation in confined waters and docking operations, by providing independent, highly accurate navigational data, including positioning, speeds, heading, and Rate of Turn.

Key Benefits of the SAL SPU-100:

Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: The SPU-100 significantly augments safety and efficiency during manoeuvres in confined waters, ensuring pilots and crews have access to the most accurate and reliable data for improved, real-time, decision-making.

Unmatched Accuracy and Reliability: The navigation data provided by the SPU-100 surpasses standard bridge instrumentation, offering superior accuracy and reliability.

Tested for Resilience: The SPU-100 has been rigorously tested and certified for performance under real signal jamming and spoofing conditions, ensuring uninterrupted and accurate navigation, even in adverse technology environments.

Uninterrupted Operation: A back-up battery system ensures continuous support and reliability, even during power outages.

The ACP’s Advisory to Shipping No. A-32-2022 outlined new requirement for Neopanamax vessels, emphasising the need for advanced navigational systems that ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency. The SPU-100 not only meets these requirements but sets a new standard for advanced pilotage systems uses in ports globally.

“AST Networks is committed to innovation, safety, and efficiency in the maritime industry,” said Gregory Darling, Founder and Managing Director at AST Networks. “Our partnership with SAL together with their SPU-100 system is a testament to our dedication in developing innovative technologies that address the evolving needs of our clients, and ensures safe and efficient navigation through critical waterways, such as the Panama Canal.”

The SAL navigation SPU-100 has demonstrated exceptional performance under real-world GPS/GNSS jamming and spoofing conditions, outclassing traditional SOLAS class systems. GPS/GNSS technology has transformed maritime navigation by providing precise and reliable positioning information. However, its reliance on these signals makes it vulnerable to jamming and spoofing attacks, which can lead to severe navigational errors, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Jamming occurs when a competing signal prevents the GNSS receiver from decoding authentic satellite signals, which can be either intentional, as in warfare, or unintentional, from electronic interference. Spoofing, on the other hand, involves the transmission of fake GNSS signals to mislead users about their true position, requiring sophisticated equipment to recreate satellite signals accurately. Several incidents, such as the 2017 Black Sea anomaly and the 2019 Strait of Hormuz disruptions, highlight the dangers of GPS jamming and spoofing in maritime navigation.

The SPU-100, rigorously tested in controlled environments like Andoya Norway, has proven its resilience. Its dual high-precision antennas not only provide reliable positioning, but also detect spoofing attacks effectively, alerting ship crews to potential threats and ensuring continuous and accurate navigation, even in the most challenging conditions.

Kjetil Roer, Regional Office Manager for SAL Navigation, said, "We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with AST Networks. They share our commitment to always being at the forefront and offering the most reliable and advanced solutions to the maritime sector. This partnership is a unique opportunity to further enhance the position of our cutting-edge technology. The combined knowledge and expertise of both companies will create significant opportunities for both AST Networks and SAL Navigation."