HELSINKI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) announced on Friday that Finland and Estonia have issued a navigational warning for vessels in the Gulf of Finland due to a significant increase in disruptions to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
According to a Traficom press release, GNSS interference has risen markedly in the first half of this year, posing serious challenges to maritime navigation and safety. These disruptions hinder vessels from accurately determining their positions, heightening the risk of navigational errors and potential maritime accidents with severe environmental implications.
"Disruptions have already led to several near-miss incidents in the Gulf of Finland. To avoid more serious consequences, it is vital that vessels are prepared to operate under such conditions," said Sanna Sonninen, Traficom's maritime director.
The GNSS interference is also affecting the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a key tool for tracking and identifying vessels. Reports of AIS spoofing -- the transmission of false navigational data -- have become more frequent, further compounding safety concerns.
In response, authorities in Finland and Estonia have jointly issued a navigational warning covering both countries' territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. Vessels transiting the Gulf will receive automated updates on GNSS disruptions through the Electronic Navigational Chart system.
Amid the escalating frequency of such disruptions, maritime authorities stressed the importance of heightened situational awareness. "Issuing timely warnings about maritime hazards is a core part of our mandate," Sonninen added.
Finland and Estonia also plan to report the GNSS interference to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will share the information with its 176 member states, Traficom said.
