A recent tanker collision in the Strait of Hormuz has brought to light a critical and escalating issue: widespread GPS jamming and spoofing. This electronic interference, particularly prevalent around the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, severely disrupts maritime navigation, raises significant safety concerns, and impacts global shipping operations and insurance markets.
Tanker Collision Highlights Navigation Risks
On June 17, 2025, the VLCC Front Eagle and the Suezmax tanker Adalynn collided off the coast of Fujairah, near the Strait of Hormuz. While authorities initially attributed the incident to navigational misjudgment, strong suspicions point to satellite interference as a contributing factor. The Front Eagle reportedly experienced persistent GPS and AIS jamming before the collision, with tracking data showing abnormal displacements.
- The collision occurred at 01:14 Dubai time.
- The Front Eagle was carrying Iraqi crude oil, while the Adalynn was traveling empty.
- Both vessels caught fire, but all crew members were safely evacuated, and no pollution was reported.
Widespread GPS Interference
Electronic warfare capabilities, particularly from Iran, are suspected to be the source of the widespread GPS interference. Systems like the Cobra V8, capable of disrupting GPS, AIS, and VHF communications, create a hazardous environment for commercial navigation.
- The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) has documented instances of extreme jamming originating from Bandar Abbas.
- Analysis reveals recurring circular GPS spoofing patterns.
- One notable incident involved the Front Tyne, a sister ship of the Front Eagle, which appeared via AIS to be in rural Russia while actually sailing in the Gulf.
- Over 900 vessels experienced significant navigation signal interference between June 12 and 15, 2025.
Impact on Shipping and Markets
The escalating electronic interference has immediate and far-reaching consequences for the maritime industry and global markets.
- Reduced Traffic: The number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz dropped from 147 on June 9 to 100 by June 17.
- Increased Caution: Shipowners are exercising extra caution, with some, like Frontline, declining new contracts to transit the Gulf.
- Insurance Premiums: Shipping insurance premiums in India have risen by 15-30%, with additional charges for war risk. Hull & Machinery insurance premiums have also increased.
- Charter Rates: Tanker charter rates for voyages from the Middle East Gulf to China jumped 24% on June 14, reaching $1.67 per barrel.
- Oil Prices: Despite abundant supply, oil prices have seen significant volatility, with WTI rising 11.7% and Brent climbing 10.9% between June 12 and 18.
Navigating the Disruption
While commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues, the persistent jamming poses a critical challenge. The incident underscores the vulnerability of modern navigation systems and the need for vessels to be prepared for GPS outages. Maritime experts emphasize the importance of traditional navigation skills and alternative systems to ensure safety in increasingly volatile regions.
Sources
- Strong suspicions of satellite interference in tanker collision in the Strait of Hormuz, TrasportoEuropa.
- Strait of Hormuz Shipping Holds Steady Despite Tanker Collision, Widespread Electronic Jamming, gCaptain.
- Tanker collision in Gulf of Oman unrelated to Israel-Iran conflict, Safety4Sea.
- Critical Disruption Threat in the Strait of Hormuz Highlights Rising Regional Risk, Ch16 Maritime Risk Intelligence.
- Mysterious GPS outages are wracking the shipping industry, Fortune.
