The “Good vs. Bad” Vessel Paradigm is Dead

Traditional monitoring methods are being outpaced by sophisticated deceptive shipping practices (DSPs). With over 7,500 vessels exhibiting red-flag behaviors linked to sanctions evasion, as of September 2024, there’s a pressing need for a more advanced approach to maritime domain awareness (MDA) than just the “good vs. bad” vessel paradigm. 

AI is stepping in to meet this challenge, going beyond MDA by detecting patterns, prioritizing threats, and adapting to evolving risks in real-time. This shift from reactive to proactive monitoring allows organizations to keep pace with high-risk behaviors and enhance global security across our interconnected oceans.

The Role of AI in Identifying High-Risk Behavior

The dynamic nature of maritime threats demands proactive solutions. For example, 390 flagged vessels engaged in AIS spoofing – falsifying their locations – after departing from Russia and only 12% are currently sanctioned. 

Traditional monitoring systems struggle to keep up with these evolving tactics. AI can bridge this gap by continuously analyzing data and identifying suspicious behaviors like irregular movements or AIS discrepancies, even before they make it onto official watchlists.

Rethinking the “Good” vs. Bad” Vessel Paradigm

A common misconception is that “bad” vessels turn off AIS transponders while “good” vessels continue to transmit. DSPs have blurred this line. While fewer vessels are going dark, there’s an increase in location (GNSS) manipulation and identity falsification. During the Red Sea crisis, “good” vessels were also going dark to remain hidden and safe from Houthis.

This shift means that organizations must focus on analyzing behaviors rather than relying solely on signal presence. AI’s ability to detect these nuanced patterns provides an edge, enabling more accurate threat assessments.

Embracing AI for a Smarter, More Secure Maritime Future

As the demands for MDA grow, so does the need for smarter, AI-powered solutions. By sifting through vast amounts of data, AI allows organizations to detect subtle patterns that indicate potential threats, transforming data overload into strategic insights. It is possible to stay ahead of deceptive practices, strengthening maritime security and safeguarding our oceans against a constantly evolving array of risks.

AI-driven insights are revolutionizing MDA, offering a proactive approach that traditional monitoring methods lack. The ability to proactively detect threats in real-time is essential, enabling decision-makers to respond effectively in a security landscape where every second counts.

Outcome-Driven Intelligence

This proactive approach is central to effective MDA (and transcending MDA). To fully realize its potential, intelligence must align with core principles, such as accessibility and predictive power.

To adequately address the current landscape and challenges, intelligence must be:

• Outcome-focused – workflow-based technology must mimic the work of analysts and enhance it, supplying them with the targets they need but don’t know to look for, and pushing them beyond assumptions, while aligning with existing workflows 
• Accessible for all kinds of expertise and domains (crimes are rarely confined to just land, air, or sea)
• Predictive and proactive, to find issues before they become a problem
• AI-based data must be transformed into actionable insights, otherwise, it can become an obstacle

Via AI, decision-makers can proactively counter maritime threats, ensuring safer, more secure oceans. Windward’s AI solutions provide the insights you need to stay ahead in a constantly evolving landscape.

Go Beyond Maritime Domain Awareness