Qatar halts all navigation due to GPS fault

DOHA : Qatar has ordered a halt to all maritime navigation due to what its Ministry of Transport called a “technical fault in the GPS”.

The circular, issued via social media platform X, said the fault could affect the accuracy of maritime navigation devices, and ordered all navigation to stop until the fault is rectified.

The ministry said the decision was made to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels.

Only a few months ago, in June 2025, were the effects of GPS interference made apparent to the shipping industry in the region.

Frontline-owned, Liberia-flagged, 299,550 dwt VLCC Front Eagle (IMO: 9855343) and Antigua and Barbuda-flagged, 164,551 dwt suezmax Adalynn (IMO: 9231767) collided at 0015 hrs on June 17 in the Strait of Hormuz, likely because of GNSS interference in the area.

Source : Lloyd List