Flag states play a key role in keeping the maritime industry compliant and accountable, but when they fall short, the consequences ripple across global trade. A flag state is the country under whose laws a vessel is registered or licensed. Every commercial ship must be flagged under a state, and that state is responsible for...
Speed Without Accuracy is a Risk The idea of real-time alerts is so appealing in an industry where seconds can feel like hours and decisions carry multi-million-dollar consequences. But because the difference between a benign port call and a suspicious rendezvous often lies in the details, faster isn’t always better in the maritime ecosystem. We...
From Brexit, to refugees, to spillovers from the Syrian and Libyan civil wars – there’s plenty to keep Europeans up at night. And these are just the things we can see. What about the stuff we can’t?
The second edition of our European Threat Map reveals some of the anomalies found when applying AI-driven, behavioral analysis to vessels, enabling organizations – such as Frontex and Italy’s Guardia di Finanza – to anticipate threats, and stay ahead of their adversaries.
Amid the drug smuggling, human trafficking and sanctions evasion detected, there are a number of key findings, including:
The Black Sea is significantly riskier than the Mediterranean; there are about three times as many “risky” vessels visiting the Black Sea vs the Med.
Despite EU sanctions on Syria and Crimea, commercial shipping activities continue to take place in the waters around these territories, indicating probable sanction evasions.
In Europe, Guernsey and Romania have the highest proportion of incorporated companies whose vessels display “risky” behavioral patterns.
Over the previous year, 42 vessels displayed patterns of behavior similar to ships caught with drugs on board.
Stay tuned for threat maps for other parts of the world. For now, stay safe!
Download a PDF of the map
Featured posts
Windward
When Flag States Miss the Mark: Risks, Gaps, and the Sanctions Fallout
Flag states play a key role in keeping the maritime industry compliant and accountable, but when they fall short, the consequences ripple across global trade. A flag state is the country under whose laws a vessel is registered or licensed. Every commercial ship must be flagged under a state, and that state is responsible for…
When “Real-Time” Isn’t Always the Right Time: Rethinking Maritime Notification Latency
Speed Without Accuracy is a Risk The idea of real-time alerts is so appealing in an industry where seconds can feel like hours and decisions carry multi-million-dollar consequences. But because the difference between a benign port call and a suspicious rendezvous often lies in the details, faster isn’t always better in the maritime ecosystem. We…
The EU’s 17th Sanctions Package: Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet and War Economy
Expanding Sanctions on Russia’s Shadow Fleet The European Union has introduced its most comprehensive set of sanctions yet in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The 17th package specifically targets Russia’s clandestine network of oil tankers, known as the “shadow fleet,” aiming to severely restrict Russia’s oil revenues, a critical source of funding for…
Cables, Conflict, & Clarity: What the “Song Hang” Vessel Tells Us About Maritime AI
Securing the vast network of undersea cables, the backbone of global internet traffic, has become a national security imperative in the Asia-Pacific. But with geopolitical tensions rising and tens of thousands of vessels crisscrossing the region every day, how can you separate innocent traffic from a potential threat? The answer lies in going beyond dots…
Easily Keep Your D&D Strategy Aligned with Carrier Tariff Updates
Carrier Tariff Updates are Tough Managing detention and demurrage (D&D) costs is already a complex task – and fragmented, disorganized communication by major carriers makes it even harder. Tariff updates can appear suddenly, without formal announcements or clear timelines. This leads to unnecessary surprises, last-minute planning, and increased operational risk. In an industry where timing…
Building the Gen AI Future Through Strategic Partnerships
By Ami Daniel, Co-Founder and CEO, Windward The Shifting Sands… Geopolitical risks seemingly spring out of nowhere, with few expecting the ragtag Houthi militia to shut down major global waterways for a long period, for example. Regulatory shifts, such as OFAC’s latest advisory and the White House’s changing stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, add to…
When Flag States Miss the Mark: Risks, Gaps, and the Sanctions Fallout
Flag states play a key role in keeping the maritime industry compliant and accountable, but when they fall short, the consequences ripple across global trade. A flag state is the country under whose laws a vessel is registered or licensed. Every commercial ship must be flagged under a state, and that state is responsible for...
Building the Gen AI Future Through Strategic Partnerships
By Ami Daniel, Co-Founder and CEO, Windward The Shifting Sands… Geopolitical risks seemingly spring out of nowhere, with few expecting the ragtag Houthi militia to shut down major global waterways for a long period, for example. Regulatory shifts, such as OFAC’s latest advisory and the White House’s changing stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, add to...
The Journey to Success: Celebrating Windward’s 200th Customer Milestone
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Webinar: Russia’s Invasion Impact on Maritime Deception and Ecosystem
Windward’s webinar brought together a diverse group of experts to cut through the noise around the impact of Russia’s war on the diverse maritime ecosystem. Exclusive data from Windward’s Maritime AI™ platform, along with insights from the industry-expert guests, enabled the sharing of unique perspectives. The webinar was filled with actionable tactics and ideas that...
Navigating deception: the impact of Russia’s invasion on the maritime ecosystem
Windward’s webinar brought together a diverse group of experts to cut through the noise around the impact of Russia’s war on the diverse maritime ecosystem. Exclusive data from Windward’s Maritime AI™ platform, along with insights from the industry-expert guests, enabled the sharing of unique perspectives. The webinar was filled with actionable tactics and ideas that...
