Increasing instances of jamming and spoofing of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)-2025

Take urgent action to protect vital radio frequency bands

I hope that Iraq will witness the launch of the Grand Faw Port project.

Maritime Tickers posed just three questions ( 3 What's ? ! ) to an elite persons  in the maritime transport, ports, offshore, and logistics sectors. as a survey on the most important events of 2025 in the sector from his point of view, what events 2026 holds, and what he hopes will happen locally and globally in this vital strategic sector The Fifth Exclusive Interview  with Captain Mahdi Al-Tamimi 

By : Iyead Khalil 

Jamming and spoofing of(GNSS) and Shadow fleet

 What are the most important events in the maritime transport sector in 2025, in your opinion?

Based on my observations of events in the maritime sector in 2025, the most significant event, in my view, is the increasing risk posed by the shadow fleet, composed mostly of older tankers often used to circumvent sanctions. This fleet is increasingly associated with collisions, breakdowns, and unsafe ship-to-ship oil transfers. 

The second important issue, which became more prevalent in 2025, is the increasing instances of jamming and spoofing of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), posing a serious challenge to global navigation and maritime safety in 2025. It is noteworthy that on March 17, the United Nations agencies responsible for communications, aviation, and maritime affairs—the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO)—issued a joint statement expressing their "grave concern" about the growing number of incidents involving harmful interference with GNSS systems. 

The agencies called on member states to take urgent action to protect vital radio frequency bands and stressed the need for immediate measures to ensure the reliability and safety of GNSS services, which are essential for civil, maritime, and humanitarian operations worldwide. •

AI and alternative fuels 

What do you expect to happen to global maritime shipping in 2026? 

 I expect artificial intelligence AI to play a significant role in shaping the shipping and shipbuilding sectors. There will be a noticeable acceleration in the adoption of AI technologies, shipyard automation, and container loss detection.

In addition, there will be an accelerated shift towards alternative fuels in the shipping sector, especially given the hundreds of orders for new ships powered by dual fuels, biofuels, and electricity. Furthermore, the use of wind energy in bulk vessels is increasing, and the deployment of autonomous, non-motorized vessels is beginning.

 Iraqi merchant fleet and Grand FAW Port

What do you hope to achieve in the fields of ports, maritime transport, and logistics, both for your country and globally?

I hope that Iraq will witness the launch of the Grand FAW Port project. Currently, the outer navigation channel project for the Grand FAW Port, located in the south of the country, has reached its final stages, with a completion rate exceeding 97%. The completion of the channel is part of Iraq's strategy to expand its maritime infrastructure and increase its capacity to receive giant commercial vessels.

I also hope that the Iraqi merchant fleet will regain its former glory and reach international standards, serving Iraq's interests. The submerged tunnel represents a cornerstone of Iraq's strategy to regain its role as a global transportation hub. It contributes to enhancing the regional competitiveness of Iraqi ports and provides a vital land route as an alternative to the Suez Canal, firmly placing the country on the regional and international transport map. This reflects Baghdad's ambition to transform Iraq from an oil-based nation into a fully integrated economic and logistical center.

About Captain Mahdi Al-Tamimi 

Captain Mahdi Al-Tamimi is a highly skilled master mariner with a rich background in maritime  and additional certifications in maritime law, maritime security, and strategic management, adding a wealth of knowledge  and experience to the maritime sector. illed master mariner with a rich background in maritime studies, maritime security, and international maritime law.

Captain Mahdi Al-Tamimi has held pivotal roles, including instructor of maritime science at the Arabian Gulf Academy for Maritime Studies, Director of the Iraqi Ports Authority (ISPS), and Acting Head of the Arabian Gulf Academy for Maritime Studies. He has made significant contributions to maritime training and development.

Recognized as an expert in maritime law by Iraqi courts, his expertise extends to the legal aspects of maritime operations. He has also authored numerous books, articles, and studies that have had a significant impact on the maritime field.

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