Geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and supply chain volatility are persistent challenges, forcing organizations to rethink their strategies. But with every challenge comes opportunity. Based on insights from Windward’s 2025 Top Trends in Global Trade report, this blog post explores how those who can anticipate and adapt to disruptions – whether due to shifting trade routes,...
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued sweeping sanctions against over 180 vessels and 170 companies connected to Russian energy exports, shadow fleet operations, maritime insurance, and oilfield services. These actions are part of a broader effort to disrupt Russia’s revenue streams and target networks that enable sanctions evasion. The implications...
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
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