Data resilience is the foundation of reliable operations. To deliver unmatched curated data and insights powered by Windward Maritime AI™, we’ve collaborated with globally recognized data providers. As the AIS data market keeps on evolving, these strategic partnerships ensure redundant data sources are in place, safeguarding continuity even in the face of acquisitions or closures....
If there’s one thing 2024 taught us about the maritime and supply chain ecosystems, it’s that change is constant – and often unpredictable. To succeed, organizations must be proactive and agile, ensuring that their strategic decision-making is built on a foundation of flexibility and foresight. This blog leverages insights from Windward’s 2025 Top Trends in...
Here are the quick highlights and analysis you need from the week in maritime global trade, powered by Maritime AI™ insights.
True Confidence Incident Lowers the Ecosystem’s Confidence
Unsurprisingly, the Houthi missile attack on the True Confidence vessel, which resulted in three fatalities and severe injuries, has lowered the maritime ecosystem’s confidence about remaining safe in the Red Sea.
The vessel was formerly owned by Oaktree, a U.S./UK-based fund. It is no longer under their ownership, proving the arbitrary nature of who the Houthis ultimately target and their lack of caring about human casualties with no direct relation to the conflict.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Windward’s insights revealed a significant impact on market behavior:
A sharp 225% surge in the number of vessels anchoring at the port waiting areas in the Suez Canal (North and South of the Canal)
Our data further shows that 61% of these anchorings occurred after 13:30 UTC, coinciding with the time of the attack
The attacks on the Rubymar and True Confidence highlight the potential impact of a single attack/ship. These incidents are likely to reduce crew willingness to transit the Red Sea and will impact the freight rates of this voyage, driving more traffic around The Cape of Good Hope. This route has less checkpoints than the Red Sea and could lead to an increase in deceptive shipping practices.
A CNN article featuring Windward’s AI-powered insights shows a significant 37% drop in bulk carrier traffic between November 2023 and February 2024, with the latter period recording the lowest number of bulk vessel passage in two years.
Flag Changes Are Coming…Where are These Vessels Going?
Windward’s proprietary data shows that between January and February 2024, there has been a 50% increase in port calls by vessels that previously changed their flag. Our insights show that it is possible that port calls by such vessels will also increase in March 2024 based on the data we have so far for the beginning of the month (March 1-10).
Where do the vessels that changed their flags go? Sixty-four percent (64%) of the port calls that followed a MMSI change are conducted in China, 20% are in Turkey, and 16% are in India.
EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Recent Maritime Events
Two years of Russia’s war. The sinking of the Rubymar. The Panama Canal drought. Maritime change is constant, so the ability to adapt and maintain real-time awareness of global events is crucial. Here are our best recent analyses to provide you with the actionable insights you need to be proactive.
2-Year Russia Report
Global trade and sanctions implementation have been significantly altered, perhaps permanently, by Russia’s war. Get Windward’s unique AI insights on how the conflict has impacted trade routes, supply chains, DSPs, sanctions, and the rise of the gray and dark fleets.
A major line was crossed with the Rubymar vessel, the first vessel to sink due to a Houthi attack. The Impact of the Disruptive Environment on Global Trade report examines multiple trends, including who’s avoiding the Red Sea, to analyze how global trade has changed.
Container vessel and bulk carrier visits to the Panama Canal hit a record low during the past two years, while another vessel type is poised to hit its peak. Discover how the Panama Canal drought has changed the landscape and four critical capabilities you need.
The EU’s 15th Sanctions Package: Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The European Union has introduced the 15th sanctions package, in its continued effort to address sanctions circumvention and undermine Russia’s military and industrial capabilities. It targets 52 additional ships involved in high-risk activities, including transporting oil, arms, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Escalating Measures Against Russia’s Shadow Fleet The EU’s focus in this sanctions package is...
Tackling Location (GNSS) Manipulation with Windward’s Patented Tech
Staying ahead of deceptive shipping practices (DSPs) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) manipulation isn’t just an operational advantage, it’s a necessity. With high stakes and complex challenges, businesses need cutting-edge solutions they can trust. Location (GNSS) manipulation is expanding rapidly, with an identifiable main geographic hub… Two New Patents Two newly approved patents for...
Unique Insights on the Nearly 400 Iran-Linked Vessels Flagged by EIA
TLDR: Iran’s Billions in Oil Exports Worrisome trends were revealed in the U.S. Energy Information Agency’s (EIA) first report about Iran’s petroleum exports, as required by the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) Act. According to the non-partisan Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD): “The report found that between 2021 and 2023, Tehran sold $144 billion...
Two Critical Factors for Security Teams Protecting Global Fleets
The Houthis have significantly escalated their activities in the Red Sea, a vital maritime corridor, since November 2023. Over 70 attacks have been reported, and have led to the sinking of two vessels and the seizure of another, with devastating consequences, including the deaths of at least three seafarers. The attacks have heightened security concerns...
