Taking USVs Beyond the Navy: Can Commercial Shipping Go Crewless?
From Defense Missions to Commercial Ambitions Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) have long been associated with naval operations. Designed to navigate without onboard human intervention, these autonomous vessels are proven assets in high-risk environments, whether it’s mine detection, coastal surveillance, or intelligence gathering. However, as maritime trade and technology evolve, the conversation around USVs is shifting…
Read more
When Flag States Miss the Mark: Risks, Gaps, and the Sanctions Fallout
Flag states play a key role in keeping the maritime industry compliant and accountable, but when they fall short, the consequences ripple across global trade. A flag state is the country under whose laws a vessel is registered or licensed. Every commercial ship must be flagged under a state, and that state is responsible for…
Read more
When “Real-Time” Isn’t Always the Right Time: Rethinking Maritime Notification Latency
Speed Without Accuracy is a Risk The idea of real-time alerts is so appealing in an industry where seconds can feel like hours and decisions carry multi-million-dollar consequences. But because the difference between a benign port call and a suspicious rendezvous often lies in the details, faster isn’t always better in the maritime ecosystem. We…
Read more
The EU’s 17th Sanctions Package: Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet and War Economy
Expanding Sanctions on Russia’s Shadow Fleet The European Union has introduced its most comprehensive set of sanctions yet in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The 17th package specifically targets Russia’s clandestine network of oil tankers, known as the “shadow fleet,” aiming to severely restrict Russia’s oil revenues, a critical source of funding for…
Read more
