DNK offers premium rebates for Norwegian ships adopting Iridium-backed anti

Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib has launched a resilience programme for Norwegian-owned or controlled ships, offering premium rebates to members that adopt approved anti-spoofing technology, according to DNK.

The Oslo-based war risk mutual is giving members access to Assured Positioning, and Timing services designed to protect vessels from GPS jamming and spoofing.

The programme uses systems backed by Iridium Communications’ low-earth-orbit satellite network to provide an independent position source when conventional GNSS signals are degraded, jammed or manipulated.

DNK chief executive Svein Ringbakken said shipping had seen a “sharp increase in GNSS interference”, with concern focused on the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.

The system is intended to support, not replace, GPS and AIS. It compares satellite data with an independent Iridium-based position source and alerts crews or operators when signs of jamming or spoofing appear.

DNK project manager Alan Belardinelli said manipulated positioning data could compromise situational awareness and create a risk that ships appear to enter sanctioned or restricted areas.

The insurer said interference data collected through the programme could be shared with owners, managers and other stakeholders operating in high-risk or emerging conflict zones.

The programme has support from Norwegian authorities, represented by Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss, and from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, represented by chief executive Knut Arild Hareide.

Iridium vice president for PNT Rohit Braggs called the service a resilient “source of truth” for maritime systems when traditional signals are degraded or denied.

Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib is a Norwegian mutual war risk insurance association established in 1935 by members of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association. It provides war risk cover and preparedness services for Norwegian-owned or controlled ships and mobile offshore units.

Iridium Communications is a US satellite communications company operating a global low-earth-orbit satellite network used for voice and data services across maritime, aviation, government, land mobile and IoT markets.

The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association is an employers’ and industry organisation representing Norwegian-controlled shipping and offshore companies in national and international maritime business and labour matters.