Tech can track ships that turn off AIS transponders

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Ship operators switching off their AIS transponders to indulge in activities such as sanctions busting may soon find that maritime domain awareness technology has caught up with them.

Two tech companies are partnering to offer a service that will allow clients to validate a vessel’s reported AIS location and continue tracking once the vessel has gone dark.

The companies are Herndon, Va., based HawkEye 360 Inc. and Tel-Aviv, Israel, headquartered maritime risk analytic specialist Windward.

HawkEye 360 is the first commercial company to use formation flying satellites to create a new class of radio frequency (RF) data analytics. Under the new agreement, HawkEye 360 will contribute its unique RF dataset for use on Windward’s digital platform with select customers.

“We are excited to work with Windward to develop the next generation of time critical maritime domain awareness services,” said HawkEye 360 CEO John Serafini. “The Windward relationship aligns with our strategy to partner with best in class organizations, servicing established markets that will significantly benefit from our first-of-its-kind global RF geolocation and analytic services.”

Windward will integrate HawkEye 360’s services into its platform to provide a seamless customer experience. It says that he partnership will demonstrate how RF analytics provides time critical insights for maritime domain awareness (MDA) that were previously impossible, offering significant value to Windward’s customer base.

Windward Co-Founder and CEO, Ami Daniel, said: “We’re committed to providing our clients with the biggest data and deepest insights to help them solve their maritime problems. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with HawkEye 360, and look forward to exploring how RF geolocations and analysis can offer our clients an even better service through enhanced risk modelling.”

The companies say that their partnership Windward will help countries, law enforcement entities, financial institutions, and maritime insurers achieve domain awareness on a global scale.

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