GPS disruptions reported in eastern Gulf of Finland affecting maritime navigation

In the eastern Gulf of Finland, particularly around Kotka and Hamina, there has been a notable increase in GPS disturbances, according to Hannes Suvilaakso, the field leader of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard. These disturbances can manifest as loss of location data or incorrect readings from the ship’s GPS devices. The Coast Guard has received unusually high reports from vessels this week.

Suvilaakso emphasizes that autumn poses a particular risk as night falls earlier and fog can develop over the sea. The summer months have also seen a surge in GPS disruptions. In August, it was reported that there were numerous GPS issues in the eastern Gulf of Finland throughout the summer, with the Transport and Communications Agency Traficom receiving several dozen reports since April 2024.

According to Suvi Juurakko-Lehikoine, the manager responsible for frequencies at Traficom, the source of these GPS disturbances is believed to be in Russia. She indicated that the disruptions detected in the Gulf of Finland are instances of targeted interference affecting signals as they enter Finnish territory.

While Hannes Suvilaakso refrains from commenting on the source of the disturbances in recent days, he urges boaters to prepare for navigation using methods other than GPS devices. “There are two options: either follow known routes or plot your location on a nautical chart,” advises Suvilaakso.