Published: 20/05/2016

Resilient PNT – if not eLoran, then what?

Galileo is Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, providing what is expected to be a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. It is interoperable with GPS and Glonass, the US and Russian global satellite navigation systems. By offering dual frequencies as standard, Galileo is set to deliver real-time positioning accuracy for all users down to the metre range. More are due to be launched in May and in the autumn, bringing the Galileo system a step closer to operational use. – photo © GSA, © European GNSS Agency

It is generally agreed that Resilient PNT (Positioning, Navigation & Timing) is
essential for the maritime sector. E-navigation and newer developments, such as
sea traffic management and autonomous ships will not be viable in the longterm,
without totally dependable positioning and communications. However,
there is little consensus on how to achieve resilience. eLoran has been
demonstrated as an effective terrestrial complement to GNSS, but some
European countries have now turned off their Loran transmitting stations, which
are essential to the future provision of eLoran.

Regarding a single backup system for GNSS, agreement on the need for resilience seems to be growing stronger and a relevant development is a new performance standard agreed in IMO for a multi-system receiver. – photo © IMO