Communications and navigation technology company AST Networks has partnered with SAL to launch a state-of-the-art high-precision navigation system called SAL SPU-100 that, among other things, meets the requirements of the Panama Canal Authority.
The SAL SPU-100 is built on proven technology and used by pilot organisations worldwide as part of their portable pilot unit systems. The SAL SPU-100 improves 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.
“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,” said Gregory Darling, Founder and Managing Director at AST Networks.
The canal authority’s Advisory to Shipping No. A-32-2022 outlined new requirements for Neopanamax vessels, emphasising the need for advanced navigational systems that 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. Key Benefits of the SAL SPU-100 include:
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Improved 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;
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Better Accuracy and Reliability: The navigation data provided by the SPU-100 surpasses standard bridge instrumentation, offering superior accuracy and reliability;
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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; and
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Uninterrupted Operation: A backup battery system ensures continuous support and reliability, even during power outages.
The SAL navigation SPU-100 has also demonstrated exceptional performance under real-world GPS/GNSS jamming and spoofing conditions. 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.
