The SAL SPU-100, built on proven technology, is trusted globally by pilot organizations as an integral 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. The SPU-100 significantly augments safety and efficiency during maneuvers, ensuring pilots and crews can access the most accurate and reliable data for improved real-time decision-making. The navigation data provided by the SPU-100 surpasses standard bridge instrumentation, offering unmatched accuracy and reliability. Additionally, it has been rigorously tested and certified for performance under real signal jamming and spoofing conditions, ensuring uninterrupted and accurate navigation even in adverse environments. A backup battery system guarantees continuous support and reliability during power outages.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
The ACP’s Advisory to Shipping No. A-32-2022 emphasizes the need for advanced navigational systems for Neopanamax vessels to ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency. The SPU-100 meets these requirements and sets a new standard for advanced pilotage systems used in ports globally. Gregory Darling, Founder and Managing Director at AST Networks, stated, “Our partnership with SAL and their SPU-100 system demonstrates our dedication to developing innovative technologies that address the evolving needs of our clients, ensuring safe and efficient navigation through critical waterways such as the Panama Canal.”
Technological Resilience
The SPU-100 has demonstrated exceptional performance under real-world GPS/GNSS jamming and spoofing conditions, outperforming traditional SOLAS class systems. GPS/GNSS technology, while transformative for maritime navigation, is 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, while spoofing involves transmitting fake GNSS signals to mislead users about their true position. Incidents like the 2017 Black Sea anomaly and the 2019 Strait of Hormuz disruptions highlight these dangers. The SPU-100, 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, alerting ship crews to potential threats and ensuring continuous and accurate navigation in challenging conditions.
Partnership and Future Prospects
Kjetil Roer, Regional Office Manager for SAL Navigation, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with AST Networks, highlighting the shared commitment to offering the most reliable and advanced solutions to the maritime sector. This partnership enhances the position of cutting-edge technology, combining the expertise of both companies to create significant opportunities for both AST Networks and SAL Navigation.
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Source: AST Networks
