More than 1,100 vessels in the Persian Gulf have experienced GPS and AIS interference within the past 24 hours, according to maritime intelligence company Windward Ltd..

Large-scale and intermittent GNSS disruptions have been recorded, affecting navigation, positioning, and communication systems, including AIS and VHF.

Operators are being advised to avoid high-risk waters, including the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz where possible.

Additional safety guidance has also been issued:

— US-flagged vessels or ships with American crews should remain at least 30 nautical miles away from US naval vessels

— continuous communication with naval channels is recommended

Crews are also advised to cross-check GPS positioning with radar, visual bearings, and other navigation methods.

Windward reports multiple cases of AIS spoofing, where vessels appeared to be incorrectly “relocated” to airports, nuclear facilities, or inland locations in Iran, Oman, and the UAE. At least 21 new clusters of AIS interference have been detected in waters near the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Iran.

For global shipping, these incidents highlight a growing challenge: electronic interference is becoming a standalone operational risk in one of the world’s most critical energy trade corridors, affecting routing decisions, insurance costs, and crew safety.

Windward Ltd. is a global maritime intelligence company specializing in AIS data analytics and maritime risk assessment. Founded in 2010, the company is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market.