"As the maritime industry continues to evolve and become more complex, the need for real-time AIS data is becoming increasingly important."
The maritime industry has evolved rapidly over the years, but one thing has remained consistent - the need for accurate, timely data to support safety, efficiency, and compliance for those operating at sea.
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) play a pivotal role in the maritime landscape, enabling ship operators to communicate their navigational and physical data to authorities and other vessels. While AIS was first created to improve safety at sea, it has now grown to satisfy other concerns, particularly those involving international trade, commercial fishing, and military operations.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve and become more complex, the need for real-time AIS data is becoming increasingly important.
But what is “real-time” AIS anyways?
Many in the industry are using “real-time” terminology, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear definition of what it means. Is real-time what we assume it is? The instantaneous collection and delivery of data from space to the ground? Or does it come with nuances like low data latency and processing times?
Below, we explore how companies like Spire Global, Kpler, and Orbcomm are defining real-time AIS and how they are using their satellite-based technologies to deliver insights into the increasingly complex maritime domain.
What Does “Real-Time” AIS Mean in the Maritime Industry?
In theory, real-time AIS refers to the ability to receive, process, and disseminate vessel position and navigational data almost instantaneously. In reality, though, most AIS data providers can’t do this. For most, a more accurate term would be “delayed AIS,” as factors like limited satellite coverage, processing delays, and outdated technology hinder the ability to deliver instantaneous AIS data.
Since real-time AIS data is critical for numerous aspects of maritime operations, delayed AIS data can create potential safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance hazards - all of which can lead to compounding issues within a maritime organization or entity.
Comparing “Real-Time AIS” for Three of the Biggest Names in Space-Based Data Services
While many in the industry use terms like “near-real-time AIS,” there is a lack of standardization and understanding of what it actually means. Knowing this, we did some digging to find out how some of the biggest names in maritime data are driving the narrative.
To start, let's take a look at the table below to compare the three services we researched.
Spire Global
After digging around Spire Maritime’s website, it seems that they have a pretty clear definition of “real-time” AIS.
To Spire, real-time AIS refers to the ability to track all types of vessels anywhere, anytime - 24/7, 365.
According to them, simply having AIS-enabled technologies is no longer enough to satisfy the complex demands of the maritime industry. Instead, they are on a mission to stay ahead of the curve with innovative solutions that set a precedent for the future of the maritime domain - using one of the biggest AIS-enabled constellations to provide to-the-minute AIS data for enhanced maritime domain awareness.
How are they doing it?
The Most Comprehensive AIS-Enabled Satellite Constellation in the World
Spire uses one of the world’s most comprehensive multi-purpose satellite constellations, the Iridium Next Constellation, to host their maritime satellite payloads and deliver real-time AIS data to their customers.
The constellation is composed of 80 nanosatellites, which are active in a variety of low earth orbits, delivering data through an in-orbit ‘mesh’ architecture to enable global ocean coverage with high data refresh rates. Each satellite is equipped with numerous sensors, including AIS, ADS-B, and GNSS-EO, all of which create flexibility and value within the constellation.
The Highest Frequency of AIS Data Capture
Spire seemingly utilizes the only constellation that provides AIS data with a latency of less than one minute, acting as the basis of their “real-time” narrative. For context, most AIS sources only refresh data every 20 minutes, so the 60-second refresh rate seems to be a gold standard for “real-time” AIS data.
Spire does it through our satellite system’s in-orbit ‘mesh’ architecture, which they use to ensure global surface coverage for over 250 active vessels daily.
14+ Years of Historical AIS Data
Spire owns the deepest catalog of continuous historical AIS data in the world, dating all the way back to 2010. The global catalog allows users to see the shipping industry from a broad perspective and can be paired with real-time AIS data and AIS position validation services to help build comprehensive maritime domain awareness.
With historical AIS data from Spire, customers can track any Class A or Class B vessel, analyze trends & see historical patterns associated with vessels, and backfill any data gaps that might exist in their current AIS data catalog.
AIS Position Validation with RF-Based Vessel Detection
Spire Maritime’s real-time AIS data can be paired with their AIS position validation services to gain a broader understanding of the maritime domain. When real-time AIS data throws up “red flags” or gives a warning of potential dark shipping or other misconduct, customers can task Spire’s vessel position validation services to see if the threat is real.
They use an RF-based detection technique that involves monitoring Doppler emissions, or Doppler frequency shift, associated with a vessel to verify a ship’s location and timing data. This allows them to safeguard real-time AIS data, adding another layer of security for those operating at sea.
Kpler
Kpler is another provider of trusted AIS data for the maritime domain, serving customers involved in fuel and material trade, financial markets, and power analytics.
While Kpler uses the term “real-time AIS” throughout its website and content, it does not seem to define the term clearly. Still, we did some digging to uncover what real-time AIS data involves with the services they provide. Here’s what we found.
Comprehensive AIS Data Aggregation
Kpler uses numerous sources to collect and process AIS data for their customers, including satellite and terrestrial systems, helping to provide near-real-time insights into vessel movements. While they serve customers in different industries, they primarily focus on AIS data aggregation for the physical commodity market, mainly to track the movement of oil and gas across the globe.
Low Data Latency
While Kpler is not the leading provider of AIS data with low latency times, they aren’t trailing the pack, either. Kpler states on its website that it provides “real-time” AIS data but does not say much about data latency outside of using the term “low data latency.”
In third-party research, however, we found that they provide AIS data with latency times of 10-60 minutes. If this is accurate, data latency would be significantly longer with Keplr than with Spire, so it would be advisable to check with Keplr about how long it takes to process and deliver AIS data.
Global Trade and Shipping Analytics
As stated above, Kpler primarily focuses on serving customers involved with the trade and sale of energy commodities. Still, they provide high-quality, trusted data to all sorts of customers involved with global trade and shipping.
Kpler’s AIS data helps customers make informed decisions by tracking the flow of goods and providing context around different vessel activities. The data feeds into advanced analytics platforms to help customers optimize their supply chains, assess various trade routes, and identify current or historical trends for vessels, operators, and markets.
Orbcomm
Orbcomm is a well-known player in satellite-based communications for the maritime industry. While they primarily focus on serving customers in the maritime domain, they also serve customers with land-based applications. While Orbcomm doesn’t claim “real-time AIS,” they do claim “near-real-time AIS.” According to them, they offer “... a tool to track data in near real-time. We help our clients make better decisions by giving them access to all the pieces of the supply chain puzzle.”
Dual Satellite and Terrestrial AIS Data Collection
Orbcomm owns and operates a fleet of AIS-enabled satellites, and they pair it with terrestrial AIS data from leading industry partners for a high level of AIS coverage across the globe.
When their customers need AIS data for the open ocean or remote areas, they can gain access through the Orbcomm constellation. When they need data for ports or near-shore areas, they can often access it through the terrestrial ground stations.
The hybrid model helps to ensure global AIS coverage and reliability for Orbcomm’s customers, giving detailed insights to fleet managers, logistics providers, and maritime operators.
Low Data Latency and Global Coverage
According to Orbcomm, it is available to deliver AIS data to its customers in as little as one minute, in some instances, due to its extensive satellite+terrestrial AIS network coverage. While this is clearly stated in the example linked above, it remains unclear whether the low data latency included satellite-based AIS or whether it only involves their terrestrial systems. They go on to say that they have an ~8-minute refresh rate, which is quite respectable in the maritime data industry.
Still, Orbcomm processes over 18 million AIS messages from nearly 150,000 vessels daily, so its services are sure to provide some level of security and reliability to its customers.
Use-Cases for Real-Time AIS Data
Real-time AIS vessel tracking data can be applied to numerous maritime-based applications and use cases, giving stakeholders valuable insights to enhance nearly all aspects of their operations.
Operational Safety
First, and as described above, it enhances safety for those operating at sea. With real-time AIS data, ship operators and maritime authorities gain the ability to monitor vessel traffic patterns, identify potential collision hazards, and take preventative action to avert disasters - be it for people or the natural marine environment.
While timely AIS data is crucial for vessel safety in any marine environment, it is especially important in busy shipping lanes where numerous vessels are operating in close proximity.
Logistics and Efficiency
Real-time AIS data helps entities facilitate better logistical planning and operational efficiency. With timely AIS vessel tracking data, large shipping companies and smaller operators can optimize routes using current vessel positions, weather conditions, and traffic congestion. These data inherently lead to reduced fuel consumption, lower operating costs, and less time on the water for crews - all of which accelerate growth and enhance the ability to provide top-of-the-line services.
Port authorities can also use this data to improve traffic management and queues near ports, significantly enhancing the ability to allocate docking spaces and minimize time between vessel changes.
Offshore Asset Surveillance and Protection
With real-time AIS data, users can continuously monitor offshore assets like oil & gas rigs, wind farms, and other critical infrastructure. When a vessel approaches this infrastructure, AIS data can help identify ships that could pose a security risk or conduct unauthorized activities nearby, allowing users to respond to the threat before it occurs.
This proactive approach to asset surveillance ensures that stakeholders and operators safeguard their investments and mitigate the risks associated with their offshore operations.
Defense and Security Intelligence
Real-time AIS data is critical for all types of defense and security agencies. Tracking vessel movements and identifying unusual patterns, these data support strategic planning, help assess threats, and provide maritime situational awareness for defense, security, and wartime scenarios.
The intelligence is also critical for securing maritime borders and responding to incidents that threaten national security.
Commodity and Market Intelligence
Real-time AIS tracking data is a valuable tool for commodity traders, investors, and policymakers, providing critical, data-backed insights for highly informed decision-making. By tracking cargo vessels transporting commodities like oil, minerals, and agricultural products, our customers gain clear visibility into global trade and market dynamics.
Users can even assess potential supply chain disruptions by monitoring vessel movements in real-time and identifying any potential delays caused by inclement weather, port and traffic congestion, or geopolitical events - as we saw with the supply chain delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, with the ability to analyze shipping trends and patterns, traders get a deep insight into market behavior, which can help predict market fluctuations and supply dynamics - all of which are crucial for making timely investment decisions.
Flag Administration and Regulatory Compliance
Real-time AIS data is essential for flag administrations and regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the vessels registered in certain jurisdictions. Being able to track and monitor vessels across the globe allows these entities to identify those who could be engaging in illegal activities or violating maritime laws.
Real-time vessel tracking allows authorities to detect vessels operating outside of their legal frameworks, which could involve unauthorized ships entering restricted zones, engaging in illegal fishing, or conducting smuggling operations.
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