Ships and offshore energy platforms are losing their GPS signals to hostile spoofing attacks, and a new communications system aims to keep them connected and on course. The problem is twofold. First, the maritime industry’s shift toward autonomous vessels, real-time data analytics, and over-the-air software updates demands far more data bandwidth than current satellite links can provide, especially beyond line of sight. Second, GPS—the backbone of navigation and timing for ships and offshore renewables—is increasingly vulnerable to jamming and spoofing by hostile actors. Without a backup, a ferry or an autonomous surface vessel could lose its position, its course, and its ability to communicate safely. Clarus Networks and JET Engineering are building a hardened alternative. Their system combines a trusted, jam-resistant position and timing solution with an integrated terrestrial communications platform that includes private 5G and automatic failover between multiple low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations. The platform is designed to be low in size, weight, and power consumption, making it practical for installation on vessels and offshore infrastructure without draining energy. If successful, the system could keep offshore renewable energy farms, ferries, and autonomous ships safely connected and accurately positioned even under electronic attack, supporting the UK’s push toward decarbonised maritime operations.
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Marine and Maritime communications are being challenged by de-carbonisation, autonomy/robotics, real-time data and analytics for optimising performance and the growth of 'over the air updates to operational systems' as well as AI to improve efficiency and productivity. This challenge is augmented by the current geo-political landscape where current methods of communication and positioning are under significant threat from hostile actors -- for example GPS spoofing. With the continuing development of ASV's in the South West and the area as a centre of excellence for the development of these craft the cluster will benefit from having an innovative communications test bed available for use. This technological shift is increasing the need for real-time, bi-directional data flows with expodential increases in the volumes of data to be exchanged with other offshore assets and land particularly once beyond line of sight (BLOS). This also necessitates assured and accurate Position, Navigation and Timing for safe and secure operations. This has created demand for a new breed of communication technologies that will provide the safe, resilient and assured connectivity to fixed and mobile assets that operate in areas such as offshore renewable generation, ferries and increasingly shipping. Clarus Networks and JET Engineering are proposing to solve these challenges by developing \* a trusted and resilient maritime position & timing (PNT) solution ensuring accurate and secure PNT \* An integrated terrestrial communications platform including private 5G and Active failover of Satellite communications using 1+1 LEO constellations \* Separate management of the communications platform enabling remote power and performance monitoring and control \* Developing the platform to be of low size, weight and power consumption (low-SWaP) to reduce the energy consumption of communications and make it sustainable and accessible.
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