🇮🇷 TRACK VESSEL ACTIVITY IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ 🇮🇷

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GLOSSARY

The maritime domain is a highly technical space and it can be difficult to master the subtleties of the field. With this in mind, we’ve created this maritime lexicon to help you get acquainted with the ins and outs of maritime risk and decipher some important terms and vocabulary.

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AI Agents

What is an AI Agent? An AI agent is an autonomous software entity that perceives its environment, makes decisions, and takes actions to achieve specific goals, often without human intervention. In maritime shipping, AI agents play a vital role in tasks like optimizing routes, predicting risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By continuously analyzing real-time data,…

AI Route Optimization

What is AI Route Optimization? AI route optimization uses AI to calculate the most efficient paths for vessels to navigate while considering weather conditions, port congestion, fuel consumption, and regulatory constraints. This technology goes beyond traditional static routing by dynamically adapting to real-time data, ensuring cost-effective, safe, and timely deliveries. How Does It Work? AI…

AIS Gaps

AIS gaps is a term referring to a period of time when signals from an AIS transponder are not received and the vessel’s movements and position are unknown.

AIS Gaps and AIS Handshakes

What are AIS Gaps and AIS Handshakes? AIS gaps and AIS handshakes are two activities that make it difficult to track the movements of a vessel. AIS gaps are periods in time when an AIS transponder stops emitting signals. It may or may not indicate dark activity (depending on if the gap is intentional or…

AIS Ship Tracking 

What is AIS Ship Tracking?  Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship tracking is a radio-based system used by the maritime industry to monitor and track vessel movements in real time. Ships broadcast their identification, position, course, speed, and other data, allowing other ships and shore stations to track them. Ships that are heavier than 300 tons…

AIS Spoofing

What Is AIS Spoofing? AIS spoofing is a form of AIS manipulation in which a vessel deliberately transmits false or misleading automatic identification system (AIS) data to conceal its true identity, location, or behavior. Rather than simply turning AIS off, spoofing allows vessels to appear compliant while masking illicit activity. This manipulation can involve falsifying…

API Integration

What is API Integration? An Application Programming Interface (API) integration is the process of connecting two or more software applications or systems through their APIs to allow them to share data and functionality seamlessly. APIs act as intermediaries that define how different systems can interact with each other, enabling smooth communication and data exchange. Key…

Advanced Intelligence

What is Advanced Intelligence?  Windward Advanced Intelligence is an AI-powered, automatic target generation and investigation solution designed to transform unknowns into actionable insights. Leveraging Early Detection technology, it flags critical behavioral anomalies and emerging trends, enabling the identification of hidden threats in key areas. With an AI-driven system that connects the dots and provides powerful…

Agentic Workflow

What is an Agentic Workflow? Agentic workflows are processes where AI agents perform tasks, make decisions, and achieve goals autonomously to achieve specific goals as part of business process automation. These workflows make plans, execute decisions, and make adjustments based on context. By reducing human involvement, agentic workflows streamline operations, enhance productivity, and support complex…

Agile Supply Chain

What is an Agile Supply Chain?    An agile supply chain (also known as agile SC) refers to a flexible, responsive logistics and supply management system designed to quickly adapt to changing market demands and disruptions.  It prioritizes the ability to quickly change routes, schedules, and operations. In the maritime, supply chain and logistics industries, this…

Anomaly and Pattern Detection

What Are Anomaly Detection and Pattern Detection? Anomaly detection identifies data points that deviate from the expected norm. In contrast, pattern detection focuses on finding recurring or significant patterns within data sets. Combined, they help organizations proactively monitor data to detect risks and enable strategic planning.  What Is The Difference Between Anomaly Detection and Pattern…

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What Is Ariticial Intelligence (AI)? Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to analyze data, identify patterns, and support decision-making without being explicitly programmed for every possible scenario. Unlike traditional rules-based software, AI systems learn from data and adapt their outputs as conditions change. At its core, AI enables scale. It allows machines to…

Asset Monitoring

What is Asset Monitoring? Asset monitoring is real-time, continuous tracking of assets, such as vehicles, equipment, and other high-value items. Typical asset monitoring systems use data from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), internet of things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and other data sources to detect and monitor an asset’s location, status, and performance. …

Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)

Automatic identification system (AIS) transponders transmit a ship’s position, identification number, and accompanying details about the ship.

Autonomous Systems

What are Autonomous Systems in the Maritime Industry? Autonomous systems in the maritime industry refer to advanced technologies and vessels that operate with minimal human intervention. These systems utilize AI, sensors, and navigation tools to enhance efficiency, safety, and decision-making. They are vital in increasing coverage, streamlining operations, and improving resource management for maritime activities….
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BI and Analytics 

What are Business Intelligence (BI) and Analytics? Business intelligence (BI) and analytics are the processes and technologies used to gather, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. BI focuses on presenting historical and current data in an accessible way, often through dashboards, reports, and visualizations.  Analytics delves deeper into data patterns to…

Barnacles

What Are Barnacles? Barnacles are small marine crustaceans that permanently cement themselves to hard surfaces underwater, including the hulls, propellers, and sea chests of ships. Once attached, they form rough, calcified colonies that disrupt the smooth flow of water along a vessel’s hull, increasing hydrodynamic drag and forcing the engine to burn more fuel to…

Behavioral Analytics

What Is Behavioral Analytics? Behavioral analytics is the process of analyzing patterns in vessel movement, operations, and digital signatures to detect anomalies, predict risk, and understand intent at sea. Instead of relying on static rules or identity-based checks, behavioral analytics compares real-time vessel activity to historical norms, contextual data, and modeled expectations. In maritime intelligence,…

Behavioral Intelligence

What Is Behavioral Intelligence? Behavioral intelligence is the analysis of how vessels behave over time, rather than what they declare through static data such as AIS transmissions, registries, or documentation. It focuses on patterns of movement, interaction, and deviation to identify intent, risk, and anomalies that may indicate illicit, unsafe, or high-risk activity at sea….

Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO)

Who is a Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO)? A beneficial cargo owner is someone who imports goods and handles the shipment with his/her own logistics when it arrives, instead of using outside companies like freight forwarders, or non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). In international trade and transportation, the BCO is typically the party that has a…

Berths

What Are Shipping Berths in the Maritime Industry?  A maritime shipping berth is a designated location within a port or harbor where a ship can dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. Berths are critical infrastructure components of ports, equipped with various facilities and equipment necessary to support maritime operations. They are the interface…

Bill of Lading (BoL)

What is a Bill of Lading? A bill of lading (BoL) is a legal document that serves as a contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being shipped. It also acts as a receipt issued by the carrier once the cargo is loaded…

Blank Sailing

What is Blank Sailing? Blank sailing is the act of skipping a scheduled stop at a port, or canceling the voyage entirely. The decision is typically made by the carriers to effectively manage vessel capacity, respond to changes in cargo demand, optimize the global shipping network, or reduce unnecessary costs.  Understanding Blank Sailing  When shipping…

Bring Your Own Data (BYOD)

What is BYOD (Bring Your Own Data)? Bring Your Own Data, or BYOD, refers to the practice of allowing organizations to upload and integrate their proprietary datasets into external platforms or solutions to enhance insights, decision-making, and operational outcomes.  BYOD empowers companies in the maritime ecosystem to combine their internal data with external Maritime AI™…

Bring Your Own Imagery (BYOI)

What Is Bring Your Own Imagery (BYOI)? Bring Your Own Imagery (BYOI) refers to the ability to ingest externally sourced imagery into an intelligence platform for integrated analysis. Rather than reviewing satellite images or sensor outputs in standalone tools, BYOI enables users to upload and analyze third-party imagery directly within an existing analytical environment. BYOI…

Bulk Commodities

What Are Bulk Commodities? Bulk commodities are raw materials or products transported in large quantities without packaging. They fall into two main categories: dry bulk (e.g., grains, coal, iron ore) and liquid bulk (e.g., crude oil, chemicals). These goods are typically uniform and traded globally in massive volumes, making them vital for various industries such…

Bunkering

What is Bunkering?  Bunkering refers to the process of supplying fuel to ships, while a bunker refers to fuel and oil. This fuel is used to run machinery on board the vessel and to power the engines that propel the ship across the ocean. Bunkering can be performed both onshore and offshore. Bunkering is often…
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C4ISR

What C4ISR Means in the Maritime Domain C4ISR, also known as Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, is the integrated framework that allows maritime forces to understand their environment, coordinate assets, and respond to threats with speed and certainty. At sea, C4ISR brings together sensor data, operational workflows, intelligence signals, and communication channels…

Carrier Performance

What is Shipping Carrier Performance? Carrier performance usually refers to how a maritime carrier manages to execute on its responsibilities, often based on shippers’ standards and expectations. Ideally, carriers are expected to improve logistics, while streamlining the shipping process. Criteria – such as timeliness, communication, compliance, and invoice accuracy – are included in the carrier…

Certificate of Origin (COO)

What is a Certificate of Origin (COO)? A Certificate of Origin (COO) is a critical document in international trade that certifies the country in which goods were manufactured or produced. It’s required for customs clearance, trade agreements, and sanctions compliance, and is typically issued by a chamber of commerce or authorized body. A falsified Certificate…

Chartered Vessels

What Are Chartered Vessels? Chartered vessels are ships that are rented or leased to transport goods or people. The charterer uses the vessel for a specified time or journey, depending on the agreement between the parties. Typically, the ship’s owner is responsible for providing the crew and covering capital costs, although different types of charters…

Commodity Trading

What is Commodity Trading? Commodity trading is the buying, selling, and exchanging of raw materials or primary goods. These goods are typically classified into two categories: hard commodities (like metals and energy resources) and soft commodities (such as agricultural products). Traders engage in this activity to profit from price fluctuations, hedge risks, or fulfill supply…

Common Operating Picture (COP)

What Is a Common Operating Picture? A Common Operating Picture (COP) is a shared, continuously updated view of maritime activity used by government organizations to maintain situational awareness and coordinate decisions across units, agencies, and command centers. In maritime operations, a COP consolidates vessel activity, events, and contextual intelligence into a single operational view so…

Complex Ship Ownership or Management

OFAC Definition (Guidance to Address Illicit Shipping and Sanctions Evasion Practices); Global shipping is inherently complex and involves multiple interactions with both government and private sector entities. Bad actors attempt to take advantage of this complexity through the use of complex business structures, including those involving shell companies and/or multiple levels of ownership and management,…

Compliance Risk Management

What is Compliance Risk Management? Compliance risk management refers to the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to an organization’s adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies. The primary goal of compliance risk management is to ensure that a company operates within the legal and ethical boundaries established by regulatory bodies and…

Consignee

What is a Consignee in Shipping? In maritime shipping, the consignee is the individual or entity designated to receive goods at the destination port, as indicated on the bill of lading. This party also assumes the responsibility for handling import duties, taxes, and customs clearance.  Under maritime law, the consignee enjoys certain rights, including the…

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)? The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the monthly change in prices paid by U.S. consumers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calculates the CPI as a weighted average of prices for a basket of goods and services representative of aggregate U.S. consumer spending.  The index is calculated by…

Container Numbers

What is a Container Number? A container number is a distinctive alpha-numeric code comprising seven digits and four letters, used for international container identification. The International Standards Organization (ISO), facilitated by the Bureau International des Containers (BIC), allocates these unique codes to each container, following the guidelines outlined in the ISO 6346 standard. These codes…

Container Tracking

What is Container Tracking? “Container tracking” has many meanings and applications across the logistics/supply chain industry, often depending on which person or organization you are speaking with. Container tracking uses technology to monitor the location and status of shipping containers throughout their journey from the port of loading to the port of discharge. It can refer…

Container Tracking Software

Container tracking software is a system that uses technology to monitor the location and status of shipping containers throughout their journeys. This software is a critical component of supply chain and logistics management for companies involved in international shipping and trade. It is used by shippers, consignees, freight forwarders, and other logistics stakeholders to track…

Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)

What is Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)? Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) is an Incoterm commonly used in maritime shipping and international transaction contracts. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for arranging and paying for the shipping of goods to a destination port and insuring the goods while they are in transit. Once the…

Counterparty Risk

What is Counterparty Risk? Counterparty risk refers to the potential financial loss or operational disruption that can occur in the maritime industry when one party involved in a transaction or contract fails to fulfill its obligations. Meaning, there’s a chance the other party might not keep their promises, or pay what they owe. What is…

Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)

What is Critical National Infrastructure? Critical national infrastructure (CNI) in the maritime industry refers to the essential assets, systems, and networks that are vital for a country’s functioning, security, and economic stability. These elements are crucial for national defense, economic prosperity, public health, and safety.  The disruption, degradation, or destruction of this infrastructure can significantly…

Critical Undersea Infrastructure

What is Critical Undersea Infrastructure? Critical undersea infrastructure includes undersea cables, pipelines, and energy installations that support global communications, energy supply, and economic stability. Undersea cables, laid on the ocean floor, transmit telecommunications signals, including internet and data, forming the backbone of global connectivity. This infrastructure is vital for energy distribution, the digital economy, and…

Crude Oil Tankers

What is a Crude Oil Tanker? A crude oil tanker is a specialized vessel designed to transport large quantities of unrefined crude oil from production sites to refineries, or distribution centers around the world. Oil tankers are typically categorized as either dirty tankers (which move crude oil or “dirty” products, such as residual fuel oil)…
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Dark Activity

This term refers to the situation in which a vessel’s AIS transmission signals are no longer being broadcasted or detected.

Dark Flows

What are Dark Flows? Dark flows refer to concealed oil or commodity movements that rely on deceptive shipping practices to conceal the true origin, ownership, or destination of a shipment. These flows often involve tankers that obscure their identity, disable AIS, falsify documentation, or conduct ship-to-ship (STS) operations in remote locations to hide sanctioned or…

Dark and Gray Fleets

What is the Dark Fleet? The dark fleet refers to tankers that engage in dark activities, such as disabling their AIS, or using deceptive shipping practices – like GNSS manipulation, ID and location tampering – to transport crude oil, chemicals, and other wet cargo. The fleet is characterized by weak ownership structures and the use…

Data Accuracy

What is Data Accuracy? Data accuracy refers to the correctness, reliability, and precision of data. It ensures that information is free from errors, inconsistencies, or distortions, making it trustworthy for decision-making. High data accuracy improves business efficiency, compliance, and analytics, while inaccurate data can lead to faulty insights, financial losses, and operational risks. Regular validation…

Data Curation

What is Data Curation? Data curation involves the active management of data throughout its lifecycle, from creation and storage, to archiving and reuse. It is a foundational process that ensures generative AI (Gen AI) models are built on high-quality, accurate, and relevant data.  This process includes activities such as data collection, cleaning, annotation, and documentation…

Data Fusion

What is Data Fusion? Data fusion is the process of integrating data from multiple sources to create a unified, accurate, and comprehensive view. In the maritime industry, where data can often be noisy or fragmented, fusion eliminates inconsistencies and enables advanced AI models to deliver full visibility and actionable insights. Without data fusion, organizations face…

Data Governance

What is Data Governance? Data governance refers to the management of data availability, usability, integrity, and security in an organization. It involves setting policies, standards, and practices to ensure that data is accurate and accessible.  In the context of Generative AI (Gen AI), data governance is crucial for ensuring the quality and reliability of the…

Data Integrity

What is Data Integrity? Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. In the maritime sphere, ensuring data integrity is crucial for making informed operational decisions, maintaining compliance, and reducing risk.  From vessel tracking systems to cargo documentation, trustworthy data enables organizations to optimize routes, safeguard cargo, and meet…

Data Latency

What is Data Latency? Data latency refers to the delay between the generation of data and the moment it becomes accessible and actionable. In maritime and supply chain operations, it can affect the timeliness of critical decisions, such as tracking vessel locations, detecting behavioral anomalies, or coordinating port calls.  Why Does Data Latency Matter in…

Data Strategy

What Is Data Strategy? A data strategy is a comprehensive plan that outlines how an organization collects, manages, shares, and uses data to achieve business goals. In the context of maritime shipping, a data strategy helps companies harness maritime shipping data to make smarter decisions, improve operational efficiency, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with global…

Deceptive Shipping Practices

Deceptive shipping practices are usually used to evade sanctions.

Decision Intelligence

What Is Decision Intelligence? Decision intelligence is the discipline of combining data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to support better human decision-making in complex, high-stakes environments. It goes beyond traditional business intelligence — which focuses on reporting what has happened — by modeling causes, predicting outcomes, and recommending actions, while keeping the human decision-maker in the…

Decision Support System

What is a Decision Support System? A decision support system (DSS) provides data, analysis, and insights to organizations, to help guide their decision-making process. It integrates information from multiple sources, applies analytics and modeling techniques, and presents the data in a user-friendly way.  Most platforms include features such as data visualization, advanced analytics, and collaboration…

Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) 

What is DDP? Delivery duty paid (DDP) is a delivery agreement where the seller (exporter) is responsible for the shipment and for all potential risks and costs, until the shipment reaches its final destination. The potential costs ”include all transportation costs, any loss due to damage during transit, and the payment of customs duties, import…

Demurrage Fees

What is Demurrage? Demurrage is a fee charged to the consignee when the organization fails to retrieve their containers or cargo from the port within the allotted free time period. This free time, typically ranging from two to seven days, is an agreed-upon time period during which the containers can remain at the port without…

Detention Charges

What are Container Detention Charges? Detention charges are container-related charges that consignees may be responsible for paying once a container has been offloaded from a vessel. After the container is removed from the port, the consignee is granted a specified number of “free days” to transport, unload, and return the container to the port. If…

Detention and Demurrage Automation

What Is Detention and Demurrage Automation?  Detention and demurrage (D&D) automation uses technology to streamline the tracking, calculation, and management of fees incurred when containers exceed their free time at ports, or terminals. By automating data processing, cost verification, and invoice reconciliation, it reduces manual errors, minimizes disputes, and improves financial transparency.  This allows freight…

Document Verification

What is Document Verification? Document verification is the process of confirming the authenticity, accuracy, and consistency of official records such as Bills of Lading (BoLs), Certificates of Origin (COOs), and commercial invoices. In the maritime domain, this process ensures that shipping documents match actual vessel activity, cargo ownership, and compliance requirements. As sanctions, smuggling tactics,…

Dual Transmission

What is dual transmission? Dual transmission in the maritime industry refers to the use of multiple AIS transmitters on board a single vessel transmitting different entities with separate IMOs. This is typically used by bad actors to spoof their real location, while participating in illicit activities or deceptive shipping practices.  Dual transmission is an illegal…
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EMCON (Emissions Control)

What Is EMCON? EMCON, short for emissions control, is the naval discipline of deliberately silencing or restricting a ship, submarine, aircraft, or task force’s electromagnetic emissions to avoid detection. Under EMCON, units shut down or limit radar, radio, AIS, IFF, and other emitters while still receiving outside signals, turning a vessel that is physically present…

ESG

What is ESG? ESG is a general term that stands for environmental, social, and governance. A company with a high ESG score typically invests resources that positively impact its surroundings. Understanding exactly what ESG is can have a significant effect on a company. Even though it may not appear on financial reports, it creates accountability…

Early Detection

What Is Early Detection?  Early detection is the ability to identify emerging risks, behavioral shifts, or weak signals before they escalate into incidents requiring enforcement, interdiction, or crisis response. In maritime contexts, early detection focuses on leading indicators rather than confirmed violations. It surfaces deviations from historical baselines, unusual concentrations of activity, or behavioral adaptations…

Electro-Optical (EO) Imagery

What is Electro-Optical (EO) Imagery? Electro-Optical (EO) imagery refers to satellite or airborne images captured using visible and infrared light reflected from the Earth’s surface. Unlike radar-based systems, EO sensors rely on sunlight, making them ideal for daylight, clear-sky observation. EO imagery provides detailed, true-color visuals that help analysts and AI models identify vessels, infrastructure,…

Energy Risk Management

What is energy risk management? Energy risk management minimizes the risks involved in the movement or shipment of energy commodities. Managing risks associated with the energy industry is becoming increasingly complex, due to various factors, such as sanctions, evolving deceptive shipping practices, and world events. Energy risk management means determining, assessing, and prioritizing risks associated…

Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)

What is enhanced due diligence (EDD)? Enhanced due diligence (EDD) is a process used in the maritime industry to identify and reduce potential risks related to compliance, fraud, and money laundering. Enhanced due diligence involves conducting a thorough background check of a company’s operations, financial status, and reputation to ensure they are compliant with relevant…

Entity Management

What is Entity Management? Entity management simplifies data inefficiencies by consolidating fragmented entity records into a unified, pre-matched database. This process involves organizing, maintaining, and updating accurate information about legal entities, subsidiaries, and related corporate structures.  Entity management reduces delays and errors by eliminating manual matching across platforms, enabling faster, more accurate, and confident decision-making. …

Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

What is Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for Maritime? Estimated time of arrival (ETA) in the maritime industry refers to the approximate time that a vessel is expected to arrive at its destination port. It is an essential element of the shipping process, as it allows shippers, carriers, and port operators to plan and coordinate…

Estimated Time of Departure (ETD)

What is the Estimated Time of Departure? The estimated time of departure (ETD) refers to the anticipated time when a vessel is expected to leave port, or depart from a particular location. It’s crucial information for various stakeholders involved in maritime operations, including port authorities, shipping companies, and cargo handlers. The estimated time of departure…

Exception Management

What is Exception Management? Exception management (also called “management by exception”) refers to the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving anomalies that occur during the shipping process. These exceptions can include any event that changes the arrival time, such as lost containers, port congestion, or damaged goods, each of which can disrupt the supply chain….

Exclusive Economic Zone

What Is an Exclusive Economic Zone? An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a sea zone established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), giving coastal states sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage marine resources within 200 nautical miles from their shoreline. The exclusive economic zone is one of…

Explainable AI (XAI)

What Is Explainabe AI? Explainable AI (XAI) refers to artificial intelligence systems designed to make their reasoning transparent and understandable to human users. Instead of generating a risk score or anomaly alert without context, explainable artificial intelligence exposes the factors that influenced the outcome. In machine learning systems, this means connecting predictions to identifiable behavioral…
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False Flag

What Is a False Flag in Maritime Shipping? In maritime shipping, false flag activity occurs when a vessel deliberately misrepresents its flag state either by transmitting a flag it is not legally registered under, using fraudulent registry documentation, or rapidly switching flags to evade oversight. The International Maritime Organization defines a vessel as flying a…

Federal Maritime Commission

What is the Federal Maritime Commission? The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent federal agency responsible for regulating the United States’ international ocean transportation system. Its primary role is to ensure a competitive and reliable system that supports the U.S. economy and protects the public from unfair and deceptive practices. The Federal Maritime Commission…

Financial Crime Risk

Fraud, corruption, money laundering, and sanctions violations are all examples of risks that have the potential to cause financial and reputational damage to organizations.

Flag Hopping

Flag hopping was defined by OFAC as “repeatedly registering with new flag states to avoid detection.” But registration changes are also commonly used as a legitimate financial tactic, making it difficult to label as an illicit activity. This makes malicious flag hopping well-concealed in a sea of legitimate flag hopping. 

Flag of Convenience

This term refers to flags other than the one belonging to a ship owner’s flag state. Owners will often register with a flag of convenience to take advantage of lower taxes, reduced regulation, or administrative fees.

Fraudulent Ship Registries

What Are Fraudulent Ship Registries? Fraudulent ship registries are illegitimate or misrepresented flag registries that falsely claim authority to register vessels on behalf of a state. Unlike recognized flags of convenience, these registries have no legal mandate, no effective oversight, and no standing with the IMO, yet they issue certificates that allow vessels to appear…

Free Alongside Ship (FAS)

What is Free Alongside Ship Incoterm (FAS) Free Alongside Ship (FAS) is one of eleven Incoterms used in ocean freight to clearly assign responsibility to the buyer and seller. A FAS contract stipulates that the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a point of departure, but not a container terminal. Once the goods…
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GPS Jamming

What Is GPS Jamming? GPS jamming is intentional interference with GPS signals to disrupt navigation and tracking. It is typically used by external entities to create confusion, or make it difficult for vessels, aircraft, or vehicles to navigate in certain areas. This tactic can obscure movements, protect sensitive operations, or cause disruption to both military…

Generative AI (Gen AI)

What is Generative AI (Gen AI)? Generative AI (Gen AI) is an advanced type of artificial intelligence (AI) that creates new content, such as text, images, or music, by learning patterns from existing data. In the maritime industry, Gen AI can improve efficiency while reducing risks by integrating risk assessment and insight summaries into workflows,…

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)

What is Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)? Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) is the collection and analysis of imagery, maps, and data tied to specific locations on Earth to provide location-based insights across operational, security, and strategic contexts. In simple terms, it’s about turning satellite images, sensor data, and geographic information into intelligence that organizations can use to better…

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) is a term refers to a group of satellites that transmit positioning and timing data to GNSS receivers.

Gray Zone

What Is the Maritime Gray Zone? The gray zone describes actions by state or state-aligned actors that fall between routine maritime competition and open conflict. These behaviors are intentionally ambiguous, aggressive enough to shift control, intimidate rivals, or undermine norms, but calibrated to stay below the threshold that would trigger military escalation. In practice, gray-zone…

Great Power Competition

What is the Great Power Competition? The Great Power Competition refers to the intensifying rivalry between dominant global powers – primarily the United States, China, and Russia – as they seek to shape international rules, secure strategic influence, and control critical trade routes. This competition spans diplomacy, military posture, economic policy, and technology leadership.  In…
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Hot Zones

What are Hot Zones in Maritime Shipping? Hot zones are geographic areas that are considered high risk for ships to pass through. These zones are labeled high risk due to safety concerns stemming from piracy, accidents, environmental hazards, congestion, and wars. Shippers must take precautions to protect their cargo, crew, and vessels when traversing these…

Human-in-the-Loop (HITL)

What is Human-in-the-Loop (HITL)? Human-in-the-loop (HITL) refers to AI systems that incorporate human expertise into model development, training, and decision-making. Instead of allowing automation to operate entirely on its own, HITL introduces human review at key points to correct errors, minimize bias, and ensure outputs are accurate and explainable. In the maritime domain, HITL is…
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IUU Fishing

What is IUU Fishing? Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing refers to fishing activities that violate fisheries laws, bypass reporting requirements, or take place in areas with weak or nonexistent management. These activities undermine food security, maritime sovereignty, and environmental stability. In modern maritime intelligence, IUU fishing is monitored through multi-sensor satellite data, behavioral analytics,…

Identity Tampering

According to C4ADS, identity tampering is the deliberate falsification of a vessel’s broadcasted data on AIS and/or alterations to its physical features, to misrepresent its identity.

Illegal Fishing

What is Illegal Fishing? Illegal fishing involves activities that violate national, regional, or international fisheries laws and regulations. This includes fishing without a license, exceeding catch quotas, using banned gear, fishing in closed areas or during prohibited seasons, and catching protected species. These actions undermine sustainable fishing practices, deplete fish stocks, harm marine ecosystems, and…

Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)

What Is Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)? Imagery intelligence (IMINT) refers to the collection and analysis of satellite and aerial imagery to identify, assess, and monitor activity at sea. In maritime operations, IMINT is used to validate vessel presence, observe behavior that may not be visible through cooperative systems such as AIS, and provide visual context for…

Imagery-Based Intelligence (IMINT)

What Is Imagery-Based Intelligence (IMINT)? Imagery-based intelligence (IMINT) refers to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of imagery – primarily from satellites, aircraft, and drones – to understand activity, objects, and patterns that are not visible through cooperative data alone. In the maritime domain, IMINT provides the visual confirmation needed to detect vessels operating without AIS,…

Insolvency Risk

The likelihood that a company will be unable to meet its debt obligations and therefore bankrupts. Insolvency risk is a measurement representing the probability of a company becoming insolvent as a result of its inability to service its debt. Investors often consider a firm’s insolvency risk prior to making equity or bond investment decisions. Firms…

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

What Is Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)? Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) refers to the coordinated collection, processing, and analysis of information to support military and security decision-making. ISR operations integrate multiple sensors, platforms, and intelligence disciplines to build situational awareness, detect threats, and guide operational response. In maritime security environments, ISR combines satellite imagery,…
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Know Your Customer (KYC)

What is Know Your Customer (KYC)? KYC, or Know Your Customer, is the process of verifying the identity of clients or counterparties before establishing a business relationship. KYC verification typically involves validating documents, ownership structures, and operational behavior to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and sanctions regulations. KYC is a critical…

Know Your Data (KYD™)

What is Know Your Data (KYD™)? Know Your Data (KYD™) is a framework that ensures the data feeding AI, risk models, and maritime decision systems is accurate, complete, and trustworthy. In the maritime domain – where AIS manipulation, missing port records, false ownership filings, and fragmented signals are common – KYD™ ensures that insights are…

Know Your Vessel (KYV™)

KYV is a term coined by Windward to describe the process of vetting vessels for sanctions risk.
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Large Language Model (LLM) Agents

What Are LLM Agents? Large language model (LLM) agents are advanced AI systems capable of understanding and generating human-like text based on vast amounts of training data. They use deep learning technology to process and generate natural language.  LLM agents are versatile, handling tasks such as language translation, content creation, and query responses. They represent…

Letter of Indemnity

What is a Letter of Indemnity? A letter of indemnity (LOI) is a legal document often used in the maritime industry to protect a party from specific risks or liabilities associated with the transportation of goods. It is commonly used when there is a need to issue a clean bill of lading, even if the…

List Screening

What is List Screening? List screening is the process of identifying individuals, companies, or organizations appearing on various watchlists, such as politically-exposed persons (PEP) lists, sanctions lists, and adverse media lists. The goal of list screening is to locate potential risks and threats that are connected to the screened people or organizations, so you can…

Location (GNSS) Manipulation

What is Location (GNSS) Manipulation? Location (GNSS) manipulation refers to the deliberate falsification of a vessel’s location data. Initially, these manipulations were glaringly obvious and easily identifiable. Fake vessel movements displayed impossible patterns, such as perfect geometric shapes, abrupt turns, or long periods of travel against ocean currents. As detection methods were incorporated into official…

Logistics Optimization

What Is Logistics Optimization? Logistics optimization is the process of improving supply chain efficiency by minimizing costs, reducing delays, and maximizing resource utilization. It involves route planning, inventory management, warehouse optimization, and demand forecasting.  Businesses use technology, data analysis, and automation to streamline transportation, distribution, and storage, ensuring timely deliveries and cost-effective operations. Effective logistics…

Logistics Risk Management

What Is Logistics Risk Management? Logistics risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that can disrupt the flow of goods by sea. This includes managing threats like port delays, piracy, weather disruptions, regulatory changes, and container damage. Effective risk management ensures cargo arrives safely, on time, and within budget, helping companies maintain supply chain…

Logistics Service Provider

What is a Logistics Service Provider? A logistics service provider in the maritime industry coordinates the movement, storage, and handling of goods across ocean/sea routes. They manage shipping schedules, customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution, ensuring efficient and cost-effective transportation.  Logistics service providers may offer value-added services – such as cargo insurance, tracking, and supply chain…

Logistics Tracking

What is Logistics Tracking?  Logistics tracking in the maritime industry refers to the process of monitoring and managing the movement of goods and cargo through the supply chain, from the point of origin to its final unloading point. Logistics tracking plays a crucial role in ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of goods, while minimizing…
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Marine Insurance 

What is Marine Insurance? Marine insurance in shipping covers goods and cargo from when they leave the point of origin until they arrive at their final destination. It insures the ships, terminals, and all methods of forward freight where the goods are held against loss and damage.  What Does Marine Insurance Cover? The scope of…

Maritime AI™

Maritime AI is a term for machine learning models uniquely attuned to maritime nuances and data.

Maritime Compliance Software

What Is Maritime Compliance Software? Maritime compliance software enables shipping companies, freight forwarders, and government agencies to ensure their operations comply with international maritime laws and environmental regulations. It automates risk detection, tracks compliance indicators, and integrates real-time data for actionable insights. Windward’s Maritime AI™ is leading the way in delivering an advanced, data-driven compliance…

Maritime Data

What is Maritime Data? Maritime data includes real-time and historical information on vessel movements, weather, cargo, ports, and ocean conditions. It is collected via AIS, satellites, sensors, and maritime authorities. Used for navigation, logistics, security, and environmental monitoring, it helps shipping companies, governments, insurers, and researchers optimize operations and ensure safety at sea. What is…

Maritime Domain Awareness

What is Maritime Domain Awareness? Maritime domain awareness (MDA) refers to understanding all activities, events, and conditions in the maritime environment that could impact security, safety, the economy, or the environment. It involves collecting, integrating, and analyzing data from various sources to track vessels, monitor cargo movements, detect deceptive shipping practices, and assess potential national…

Maritime Intelligence

What is Maritime Intelligence? Maritime intelligence refers to the systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and sharing data about activities and operations across the world’s oceans. It relies on advanced technologies like AI to monitor vessel behavior, identify patterns, detect anomalies, and deliver actionable insights. By leveraging these capabilities, maritime intelligence ensures safety, security, and operational…

Maritime Interdiction

What Is a Maritime Interdiction? Maritime interdiction is an enforcement activity used by navies, coast guards, and maritime authorities to intercept, inspect, divert, or seize vessels suspected of illegal, sanctioned, or hostile activity. Unlike general patrolling, maritime interdiction is a targeted operation often involving Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) tactics. It serves as the…

Maritime Law Enforcement

Conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, combined with the technological advancement of bad actors, have placed a burden on maritime law enforcement bodies. Criminals have progressed beyond merely disabling their automatic identification systems (“dark activity”), so maritime law enforcement agencies are now coping with sophisticated methods, such as GNSS spoofing, ID tampering, zombie vessels, and…

Maritime Logistics

What is Maritime Logistics? Maritime logistics is the planning, implementation, and management of the movement of goods across the seas. It includes a number of activities in shipping and the coordination of transport chains. Maritime logistics is a crucial element in global trade, as it enables efficient and cost-effective transportation of large volumes of goods…

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) 

What is Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)? Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is a unique, 9-digit number assigned to a digital selective calling (DSC) radio. It acts as a digital fingerprint for vessels, making it easier for other boats and authorities to identify and communicate with a ship at sea quickly. The International Telecommunications Union…

Maritime Risk Intelligence

What Is Maritime Risk Intelligence? Maritime risk intelligence combines multi-source data, behavioral analytics, and maritime domain expertise to identify threats, detect deceptive shipping practices, and surface risks tied to vessels, cargo, ownership, and routing. Governments use it to strengthen maritime domain awareness and national security. Commercial operators rely on it to avoid sanctions exposure, fraud,…

Maritime Security

What is Maritime Security? Maritime security refers to the measures and strategies implemented to protect vessels, ports, and maritime infrastructure from threats. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at safeguarding maritime assets, ensuring the safety and security of trade routes, and preventing illicit activities at sea.  It requires collaboration between governments, international organizations, and…

Maritime Smuggling

What Is Maritime Smuggling? Maritime smuggling refers to the covert movement of goods, people, or resources across maritime borders in violation of national or international law. It encompasses a wide range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife crime, fuel theft, and sanctions evasion, all conducted via sea routes. Unlike isolated…

Maritime Surveillance

What Is Maritime Surveillance? Maritime surveillance is the continuous monitoring of vessel activity, movements, and behavior across oceans, coastlines, and inland waterways. Its purpose is to provide authorities and operators with visibility into what is happening at sea, who is operating there, and whether that activity aligns with legal, commercial, or security expectations. At its…

Maritime Tracking 

What is Maritime Tracking? Maritime tracking involves monitoring and tracking the movement of vessels across oceans. By providing visibility into vessel movements and container tracking, it enables efficient coordination, risk management, and compliance with maritime regulations, contributing to the safety and sustainability of maritime activities. What Types of Technology are Used in Maritime Tracking? What…

Maritime Trade

What is Maritime Trade? Maritime trade is the transport of goods overseas between two countries. It is a low-cost, efficient method of transporting items manufactured, grown, or mined from one country to another and is an essential ingredient in the growth of the world’s economy and in developing nations.  In today’s economy, 80 percent of…

Maritime Transport

What is Maritime Transport? Maritime transport refers to the movement of goods and people across waterways using ships and other vessels. It is a key component of global trade, enabling the bulk transportation of commodities like oil, grain, and manufactured goods. Maritime transport plays a vital role in the global supply chain and economic growth….

Maritime 

What is Maritime? The term “maritime” refers to anything related to the ocean, sea, and rivers. Maritime includes the ships, ports, companies, and individuals that are involved in the industry.  The maritime shipping industry is essential to the global economy. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimated that in 2021, 80% of…

Mission Partner

What Is a Mission Partner? A mission partner is a trusted technology or intelligence provider embedded directly into operational workflows to support decision-making during planning, monitoring, and active execution. Unlike a traditional vendor that delivers tools or data in isolation, a mission partner operates as an extension of the mission team, providing continuous, contextual insight…

Multi-INT

What is Multi-INT in the Maritime Industry? Multi-INT, short for “multi-intelligence,” is the combination of different intelligence disciplines. Law enforcement agencies use a multi-INT approach to generate a more complete picture of maritime activities, threats, and vulnerabilities. This enables more effective decision-making and operational planning and is instrumental in detecting security threats, smuggling, piracy, and…

Multi-Sensor Fusion

What is Multi-Sensor Fusion? Multi-sensor fusion is the process of combining data from multiple sensing systems to produce insights that no single source can provide. In the maritime domain, it integrates automatic identification systems (AIS), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical (EO) imagery, radio frequency (RF) detections, and behavioral analytics into one verified intelligence layer that…

Multi-Source Intelligence

What Is Multi-Source Intelligence? Multi-source intelligence is the practice of combining multiple, independent data sources into a single, corroborated intelligence picture. Instead of relying on one signal such as AIS, it fuses cooperative and non-cooperative inputs, including satellite imagery, radio frequency data, vessel registries, and behavioral analytics to validate what is actually happening at sea….
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Naval Blockade

What Is a Naval Blockade? A naval blockade is a strategic military and economic tool used to restrict maritime access to a coastline or region, typically to sever an adversary’s primary sources of revenue and supply. In practice, this involves deploying a concentrated military force – often including aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, and amphibious assault…

Naval Intelligence

What Is Naval Intelligence?  Naval intelligence is the military discipline focused on collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information about the maritime domain to support naval operations, fleet readiness, and national defense strategy. It enables commanders to understand adversary capabilities, maritime activity patterns, and emerging threats across oceans, seas, and coastal regions. While maritime intelligence spans commercial,…
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OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) Advisories

The OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) advisories aim to help enforce economic and trade sanctions against certain regimes, sectors, entities, or individuals.

OFAC Compliance

What Is OFAC Compliance? OFAC compliance refers to adherence to regulations set by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, which administers economic and trade sanctions as part of U.S. foreign policy. In the maritime and shipping context, maintaining OFAC compliance is essential to avoid severe penalties, safeguard operations, and ensure due diligence in vessel…

Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA)

What is the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA)? The Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) is a U.S. legislative framework that modernizes the regulation of international ocean transportation. Enacted in 1998 and updated in 2022, OSRA enhances the flexibility of service contracts between shippers and carriers, and strengthens Federal Maritime Commission oversight.  The 2022 update, prompted…

Oil Smuggling

Oil smuggling is a tactic that sanction evaders use to turn a profit from oil exports that U.S. sanctions designate as illicit.

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)

What is Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)? Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) refers to the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from publicly available sources to generate actionable insights. These sources can include news media, satellite imagery, Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, social media, academic research, and government reports. Unlike classified intelligence, OSINT relies entirely on open, legally…

Organization Defined Risk (ODR) 

What is Organization Defined Risk (ODR)?  Organization Defined Risk (also known as “ODR”) from Windward sets a new standard for maritime risk management as the first fully configurable risk type. Organizations can now independently define and configure behavioral indicators that fit their unique business, mission and risk requirements, and apply them across behavioral and list…
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Port Calls

What Is a Port of Call? A port of call is a designated location where a vessel stops during its voyage to load or unload cargo, embark or disembark passengers, refuel, undergo inspections, or complete required documentation. Unlike the final destination, a port of call is typically one of multiple stops a ship makes along…

Port Congestion

What is Port Congestion? Port congestion occurs when ships face delays in loading or unloading cargo due to bottlenecks at ports. There are a number of reasons for this congestion at the ports, including high cargo volumes, limited port capacity, labor shortages, or inefficient operations. Congested ports have a significant impact, as they lead to…

Port Operations

What Are Port Operations? Port operations refer to the activities involved in managing the movement of ships, cargo, and passengers through a port. This includes vessel traffic management, loading and unloading cargo, customs clearance, storage, and logistics coordination.  Efficient port operations ensure the smooth flow of goods and play a critical role in global trade….

Port State Control

What is Port State Control? Port State Control (PSC) is a regulatory mechanism that allows maritime authorities to inspect foreign-flagged vessels at their ports to verify compliance with international regulations on safety, pollution prevention, and crew welfare. By enforcing global maritime standards such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and the STCW Convention, PSC acts as a safeguard…

Port of Destination

What is a Port of Destination? The port of destination (PoD) refers to the final destination for a ship, or the end of sea transport for cargo. The term is frequently used in Incoterms and is crucial in logistics and shipping. It indicates the final step in maritime transport and often involves customs and clearance…

Port of Loading

What is a Port of Loading? The port of loading (PoL) is the location where cargo and containers are loaded onto a shipping vessel, marking the beginning of its maritime journey. This port plays a crucial role in defining the shipping costs and duration of transit. Typically, the port of loading is clearly stated in…

Power BI Dashboards

What is a Power BI Dashboard?  A Power BI dashboard is a single-screen display of key metrics and data. It pulls data from multiple sources and presents it in the form of charts, graphs, and other visual displays. Its goal is to provide operators with at-a-glance insights relating to performance, KPIs, and trends. For organizations…

Predictive Analytics

What Is Predictive Analytics? Predictive analytics is the process of using historical data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning to forecast likely future outcomes or trends. By analyzing patterns in past behavior, these models can provide actionable insights before events occur. In the maritime industry, predictive analytics helps stakeholders anticipate port congestion, vessel delays, equipment failures,…

Predictive Intelligence

What is Predictive Intelligence in the Maritime Industry? Predictive intelligence is one of the most important technological advances in the maritime industry. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) methods and advanced analytics to track billions of data points that are helpful in identifying maritime trends and forecasting future events or outcomes. Not only does it help…
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Radio Frequency (RF)

What is Radio Frequency (RF) Detection? Radio Frequency (RF) detection refers to the process of capturing and analyzing electromagnetic emissions from ships, aircraft, and coastal systems to determine their location and behavior. Every vessel emits radio signals – from onboard radar, VHF radios, satellite phones, and navigation systems – that can be detected by space-based…

Registered Owner

What is a Registered Owner of a Ship? A registered owner of a ship is the individual or legal entity listed in a country’s ship registry as having legal ownership of the vessel. This designation grants them specific rights and responsibilities, including the authority to operate, sell, or lease the ship, and the obligation to…

Remote Sensing

What is Remote Sensing? Remote sensing is the process of collecting information about an object, area, or phenomenon from a distance, typically using satellite or airborne sensors. Instead of measuring directly on the ground, remote sensing captures imagery and data through electromagnetic signals, often using technologies like synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical (EO) sensors, and…

Risk Management 

What is Risk Management? Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks that could potentially affect an organization or business. It involves analyzing potential events or conditions that might harm or disrupt operations, and then implementing strategies to minimize, control, or eliminate those risks. The key steps in risk management typically include:…

Risk Mitigation

What is Risk Mitigation? Risk mitigation refers to the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks, followed by the application of resources to minimize, control, or eliminate the impact of those risks on an organization. The goal of risk mitigation is to reduce the probability of a risk event occurring and to minimize negative consequences…
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SDN List

The SDN (Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons) list is OFAC’s list of individuals and companies whose assets are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with.

SHIP Act

What is the SHIP Act? The Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act (SHIP Act) was enacted as part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the 2024 Fiscal Year. It aims to impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in the trade of petroleum and petroleum products originating in Iran. It specifically targets the shadow fleet…

Sanctions Compliance

What is Sanctions Compliance?  Sanctions compliance in the maritime industry is the process of ensuring that all parties – including shipowners, charterers, insurers, and commodity traders – adhere to international trade restrictions. These measures, often imposed by bodies like the United Nations, European Union, and the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), take the…

Sanctions Enforcement

What Is Sanctions Enforcement? Sanctions enforcement refers to the implementation and monitoring of economic and trade restrictions imposed by governments or international bodies. These measures may target states, companies, vessels, individuals, or sectors to influence political behavior, restrict financial flows, or respond to security threats. In the maritime domain, sanctions enforcement focuses on detecting and…

Sanctions Evasion

What Is Sanctions Evasion? Sanctions evasion refers to deliberate efforts by states, companies, or individuals to bypass economic restrictions imposed by governments or international bodies. In the maritime domain, sanctions evasion most often involves manipulating how vessels, cargoes, and ownership structures appear on paper versus how they operate in reality. Rather than openly violating sanctions,…

Sanctions Screening

What is sanctions screening? Sanctions screening is the process of checking whether an individual or entity is listed on a sanctions list, or watchlist. These lists are compiled by governments and recognized international organizations to identify individuals or entities subject to financial sanctions, or other restrictions, as a result of their actions or associations. Working…

Satellite Imagery

What is Satellite Imagery? Satellite imagery refers to photographs and data collected by satellites orbiting the Earth. These sensors capture information across visible, infrared, radar, and radio frequency ranges, creating a geospatial record of activity on land and sea. In the maritime domain, satellite imagery provides the independent, high-coverage visibility needed to detect vessels, validate…

Security Teams

What is a Security Team in the Maritime Industry? A security team in the maritime industry is a specialized group tasked with ensuring the safety and security of vessels, crews, and cargo in maritime environments. They work for a variety of organizations and are essential in the planning and execution of commercial shipments that traverse…

Service as Software (SaS)

What Is Service as Software? Windward views service as software (SaS) as an evolution of software as a service (SaaS). It extends the value of software by turning labor into software, with tailored, Gen AI-based,  automated services that dramatically boost business outcomes. This is achieved via personalized, efficient, and scalable services.  Service as software is…

Shadow Fleet

What is the Shadow Fleet? The shadow fleet, also known as the dark fleet, refers to a group of tankers and support vessels that rely on deceptive shipping practices to move sanctioned or high-risk commodities while concealing their true origin, ownership, or destination. This ecosystem expanded rapidly following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, giving…

Ship-to-Ship (STS) Meetings

When two ships meet at sea. The encounter might be for fueling, transshipments of cargo such as oil or fish, to change crew, let a pilot on board, and more.

Shipment Tracking

What is Shipment Tracking? Shipment tracking refers to the process of monitoring and tracing the movement of cargo or goods during the shipping process. By utilizing advanced tracking technologies such as AI, stakeholders can obtain real-time information about the location and status of freights.  Shipment Tracking’s Essential Role in the Maritime Industry Shipment tracking plays…

Shipping Contracts

What Are Shipping Contracts? Shipping contracts are legal agreements between parties involved in the transportation of goods from one location to another. These contracts outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of each party to ensure the successful and secure delivery of goods. They are common in industries like manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. They are vital…

Shipping Costs

What Are Shipping Costs? Shipping costs refer to the expenses incurred in moving goods via sea. These costs include fuel, port fees, container handling, insurance, and customs duties. Factors like the cargo’s weight and size, shipping distance, and the efficiency of trade routes impact the total cost. Regional differences in port charges and regulations can…

Shipping Delays

Why Shipping Delays Occur & How to Improve ETAs “Visibility is critical to the supply chain. Knowing your shipment is delayed is a necessity, but knowing why your shipment was delayed further empowers customers to take action, save costs, and minimize the business impact of delays,” according to Ami Daniel, CEO and Co-Founder of Windward….

Shipping Logistics

What is Shipping Logistics? Shipping logistics refers to the comprehensive management of processes involved in transporting and storing goods from the point of origin to the final destination. It encompasses the coordination of various transport modes, inventory management, warehousing, and the efficient handling of documentation.  The objective is to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery while maintaining…

Shipping Manifest

What is a Shipping Manifest? A shipping manifest is a document that provides a comprehensive list of the items loaded onto a vessel for transport. It serves as a legal record of the ship’s cargo and is used for customs clearance, port operations, and tracking shipments throughout the transportation process. The manifest ensures accuracy, accountability,…

Shipping Routes

What Are Shipping Routes? Shipping routes are established paths used by cargo vessels to transport goods across the globe efficiently. These routes connect major ports and trade hubs, often following natural waterways, such as oceans and seas, while considering economic and geopolitical factors. They are essential to the supply chain, enabling the movement of raw…

Smart Data

What is Smart Data? Smart data refers to data that is filtered, processed, and analyzed to be actionable and relevant for decision-making. Unlike raw unstructured data, which can be overwhelming and difficult to interpret, smart data is refined to provide meaningful insights, improve efficiency, and drive strategic actions. It often leverages advanced analytics, AI, and…

Standard Operating Procedure

What is a Standard Operating Procedure? In supply chain and logistics, standard operating procedure (SOP) is a detailed protocol outlining the necessary steps to be taken during routine operations and when exceptions or unpredicted events occur. It is a guideline to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all supply chain processes. When unexpected events arise,…

Storage Fee

What Is a Storage Fee? A storage fee in global shipping is a charge imposed by ports, warehouses, or shipping companies when cargo remains at a storage facility beyond the allowed free period. This fee covers the cost of space and handling, while incentivizing timely collection and preventing congestion. Storage fees vary by location, type…

Supply Chain Risk Management 

What is Supply Chain Risk Management? Supply chain risk management (SCRM) involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could disrupt the supply chain, particularly those associated with the transportation of goods by sea. It focuses on understanding and managing factors such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, port congestion, and compliance with international regulations that can…

Supply Chain Visibility

What is Supply Chain Visibility?  Supply chain visibility is the ability to track every part of the supply chain journey. Modern-day supply chains are extremely complex and difficult to track, with a diverse supplier network around the world. Supply chain visibility is critical for logistics professionals, freight forwarders, and any organization that needs to track…

Support Fleets and Forced Labor 

Support Fleets and Forced Labor in IUU Fishing Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing  is a growing problem that occurs around the world, and is used to assert regional dominance. Vessels, crews, and companies use support fleets to bring over fishermen, often migrant workers, and coerce them into assisting with illegal fishing under harsh conditions….

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imagery

What is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imagery? Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a satellite-based imaging technology that uses radar signals, rather than light, to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface. Unlike traditional optical imagery, SAR imagery works in all weather conditions – day or night, through clouds, haze, or darkness. This makes it one…
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Target Generation

What is Target Generation? Target generation is the process of identifying, tracking, and assessing potential threats or entities of interest using advanced intelligence tools. It involves collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources to detect anomalies, prioritize targets, and provide actionable insights. Target generation integrates AI, machine learning, and data fusion, to empower organizations with…

Tariffs

What Are Tariffs? Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. They are typically used to protect domestic industries, raise revenue, or influence trade relationships. Tariffs directly affect the cost of goods crossing borders and, by extension, impact everything from supply chain planning to final retail prices. Tariffs have become a…

Territorial Waters

What Are Territorial Waters? Territorial waters are the belt of sea extending up to 12 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baseline, over which that state exercises sovereignty subject to the rules of international law. Within this zone, the coastal state has full legal authority over the water, seabed, subsoil, and airspace above, with the…

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait

What Is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait? The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, forming a critical gateway between Europe, Asia, and global shipping routes. The strait is approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) wide and 70 miles (112 kilometers) long, located…

The Strait of Hormuz

What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, forming the primary gateway between Gulf energy exporters and global shipping routes. Located between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the…

The Suez Canal

What Is the Suez Canal? The Suez Canal is a 193-kilometer (120-mile) artificial waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea at Port Said to the Red Sea at Suez, providing the only direct maritime route between Europe and Asia without circumnavigating Africa. The canal runs north-to-south across the Isthmus of Suez, crossing several natural…

Threat Mapping

What is Threat Mapping? Threat mapping is the process of visualizing, analyzing, and contextualizing risks across the maritime domain. It connects vessel behavior, geographic hotspots, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and illicit networks into a dynamic operational picture that reveals where threats exist and where they are likely to emerge. In practice, threat mapping fuses multiple intelligence layers…

Three Lines of Defense

Three Lines of Defense is an effective internal auditing model designed to offer a framework for improved control across an organization by developing a greater understanding of the risks and controls. This identifies and articulates the collection of risks and controls, and appropriately allocates the ownership and performance to these across various ‘lines of defense’,…

Tipping and Cueing

What is Maritime Tipping and Cueing? Tipping and cueing is an intelligence workflow that enables maritime organizations to detect suspicious activity at scale and then direct high-resolution sensors or investigative resources to the most relevant targets. Rather than continuously monitoring every vessel in detail, tipping and cueing uses wide-area detection to surface potential risk, then…

Trade-Based Money Laundering

What is Trade-Based Money Laundering?  Trade-based money laundering (TBML) is a sophisticated method used by criminals to disguise illicit funds through legitimate international trade transactions. It involves manipulating the value, volume, or type of goods being traded to transfer value across borders without detection.  TBML schemes exploit vulnerabilities in trade finance systems, such as invoice…

Transit Ban

What is a Transit Ban? A transit ban in the maritime shipping industry prohibits certain vessels or cargo from passing through a specific area, or route. This can be due to various reasons, including sanctions or embargoes, security, and environmental concerns. When a transit ban is enacted, vessels must find alternative routes, which can be…

Transit Time

What is Transit Time? Transit time in the maritime industry refers to the duration it takes for a shipment to travel from the port of origin to the port of destination. This time frame includes the entire journey, covering loading, sailing, and unloading processes. It is a key factor in estimating the time of arrival…

Transportation Management System (TMS)

What is a Transportation Management System (TMS)? A transportation management system (TMS) is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline and optimize the many aspects of managing transportation and logistics operations. It serves as a centralized platform that facilitates the planning, execution, and monitoring of the entire transportation process, offering end-to-end visibility and control. Key…

Transshipment

What is Transshipment? Transshipment is the transfer of cargo or containers from one vessel to another during transit to the final port of destination (POD). It typically occurs when direct shipping routes are unavailable. For example, cargo may leave the port of loading (POL) on vessel A, be unloaded at a transshipment port, and then…
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UN Panel of Experts

The Panel was established in 2009 to conduct sanctions assessments and recommendations for the Security Council.

Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)

What is a UBO? Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) is a legal term for the person that owns or controls a legal entity, such as a ship. This person is the one that ultimately profits from each transaction, even if they aren’t documented as the legal owner.   It isn’t always easy to determine who the ultimate…

Undersea Cables

What Are Undersea Cables? Undersea cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor to transmit data between continents. They form the backbone of global internet and telecommunications, enabling high-speed connections for businesses, governments, and individuals. These cables carry over 99% of international data traffic, supporting everything from streaming and online banking to cloud computing….

Underwater Oil and Gas Pipelines

What are Underwater Oil and Gas Pipelines? Underwater oil and gas pipelines are critical infrastructure mostly used to transport crude oil and natural gas. There are 20,000 miles of pipelines worldwide today. Constructed from steel or flexible materials, these pipelines are designed to withstand high pressure, corrosive environments, and extreme ocean conditions.  How Do Underwater…

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

What Is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)? An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that operates without a pilot on board, controlled either remotely by a human operator or autonomously through onboard systems. UAVs range from small inspection quadcopters to long-endurance fixed-wing platforms used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The term is often…

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)

What is an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)? Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), also known as uncrewed surface vessels or naval unmanned surface vehicles, are autonomous or remotely operated vessels that navigate on the surface of the water without an onboard crew. These vessels are designed to perform a wide range of missions, from military surveillance to…

Unmanned Systems

What are Unmanned Systems? Law enforcement and defense agencies use unmanned maritime systems to achieve effective and actionable maritime domain awareness (MDA). Unmanned systems include remote-controlled boats, drifting buoys, drones, and satellites that provide visibility into areas that would otherwise be unmonitored.  Four Examples of Unmanned Systems There are four different types of unmanned systems…
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VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) 

What Is VBSS? VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) refers to a set of maritime enforcement operations conducted by naval and coast guard forces to board vessels at sea, inspect cargo and documentation, and seize vessels or goods when legal thresholds are met. VBSS is a core tactical mechanism used in sanctions enforcement, counter-smuggling, counter-proliferation,…

Vessel Class

What is a Vessel Class? A vessel class refers to a group of ships or vessels that share similar design features, size, and capabilities. Ships within the same class are typically built for similar purposes, such as cargo transport, military operations, or passenger travel, and adhere to specific performance standards like speed, tonnage, or cargo…

Vessel Operations

What are Vessel Operations? Vessel operations refer to the complex processes involved in managing and overseeing the movement, maintenance, and compliance of a ship throughout its journey. Whether transporting cargo across international waters or ensuring safety protocols on offshore rigs, vessel operations are essential for efficient and lawful maritime activity. How Does Vessel Operations Work?…

Vessel Screening

What is Vessel Screening?  Vessel screening is the process of evaluating ships to ensure compliance with international, national, and local regulations, as well as to assess potential risks. This involves examining factors such as the vessel’s history, flag state, ownership, crew, cargo, and voyage details. Vessel screening helps identify threats, prevent illegal activities, and ensure…

Vessel Tracking

What is Vessel Tracking? Vessel tracking is the ability to detect, identify, and monitor a ship’s location, and map the full details of the entire route. GPS pinpoints a vessel’s location, which is essential for tracking bad actors, and for the ship to navigate. Other systems, such as the ship’s automatic identification system (AIS) transponders,…

Vessel Vetting

What is vessel vetting? Vessel vetting is a process of evaluating and assessing the suitability of a vessel for a particular purpose, such as carrying a certain type of cargo, or operating in a specific region. This evaluation typically involves a review of the vessel’s technical and operational characteristics, and its safety and compliance record….

Visual Link Analysis (VLA)

What is a Visual Link Analysis? Visual link analysis (VLA) is a method for mapping and analyzing relationships between entities in a network using visual diagrams. In the maritime domain, this means uncovering connections between vessels, owners, and companies through intuitive link analysis visualization, helping investigators quickly identify hidden patterns, shared ownership, or risk exposure….

Voyage Number

What is a Voyage Number? A voyage number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific voyage of a vessel. It helps track and manage the vessel’s movements, cargo, and operations during that particular trip. The voyage number is used in shipping documents and systems to reference that specific journey, making it easier for stakeholders…
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Workflow Automation

What Is Workflow Automation? Workflow automation is the use of technology to streamline and automate repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort and errors. It enables seamless data flow between systems, improving efficiency, consistency, and productivity. Reports show 66% of businesses use workflow automation to optimize processes like approvals, notifications, and data entry, freeing employees to focus…
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Zombie Vessel

Zombie vessels are vessels that were scrapped yet ‘reappear’ somewhere later on.