The role of LORAN-C in present and future navigation: from a Norwegian nautical perspective

The associate members of the North European LORAN-C System (NELS) will, before the end of the six-nation co-operation agreement in 2004, need to take a decision whether to prolong or decommission LORAN-C operation in Europe. The Minister of Fisheries in Norway has already indicated decommissioning of the Norwegian LORAN-C stations, Such a decision raises the fundamental debate about whether we can rely on GPS as a 'sole-means' system, or if we need a secondary backup system, such as LORAN-C. The purpose of this article is to highlight important aspects and conflicts related to an extension of LORAN-C in Europe. The focus will therefore be towards the limitations and vulnerability of GPS vs. the potential of LORAN-C improvements. The discussion will be based on a Norwegian nautical perspective.