The Global Call for Maritime Intelligence: Do Israeli Companies Have the Panacea?

What Is It?

The definition of maritime intelligence can sometimes be vague, or slightly convoluted, but this article defines it as the systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and applying information related to the maritime environment and activities. Its distinct purpose is to enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. Issues affecting this can vary, but the purpose of it for countries and companies is clear. Losing vessels at sea, being hacked for information or disruptions to one’s navigational systems can all cause serious problems for the various stakeholders.

Why Is It Needed?

Collecting actionable data helps to make informed decisions. This is true for a variety of companies, and maritime shipping is no exception. To begin with, information can come from ship sensors, weather reports and ports. This produces a large amount of data that needs to be harnessed correctly. The maritime industry faces challenges analyzing this quantity of data, preventing it getting into the wrong hands, and acting accordingly when there are concerns to vessels.

Large cargo ships with multibillion dollar hauls need to be carefully monitored by those liable for the vessel. Since the start of the Somali Civil war in the early 1990s, pirates off the coast of the Gulf of Aden have been a challenge for global shipping routes. The international community worked together to create Combined Task Force 150, a multinational coalition tasked with fighting piracy. Control Risks, a global security consultancy, noted that attacks decreased by 90% after 2012. It attributed this to better management of vessels, more armed security on board ships, significant international naval presence, and the development of onshore security forces.

Regional maritime boundary disputes will become examined as the importance of the Eastern Mediterranean corridor begins to take shape. Since the start of the war in Russia, the UK has sanctioned over 70 Russian vessels. This reduced Russia’s ability to trade crude oil and LNG products using its “Shadow Fleet”. In February 2022, questions arose regarding energy after Russia cut off Germany’s access to Nordstream 2, the gas pipeline connecting Russia to Germany. This left large portions of the West, who were already struggling with energy prices after COVID-19, with less access to energy.?

Despite recent hardships in the West, doors have been opened for those in the Middle East to capitalize on. Natural gas is one area where Israel has the potential to take a leading role. Companies from the West are increasingly looking to pipelines in the Middle East to fill the gap left from Russia’s previous supply.

Before Syria’s recent collapse, there were concern regarding GNSS interference and jamming against merchant vessels. All of the stakeholders in connection to the vessels were at risk of losing millions of dollars. It is yet to be known whether similar activity will be seen, particularly off the coast of Syria, now that the Assad regime has fallen.?

NATO released a paper on the threat of terrorism being low in the Eastern Mediterranean maritime region. Regardless of this, there is a clear need for companies to maintain control of their vessels' information. Particularly as hostile nations might acquire information or disrupt supply lines. This is a conversation that needs to be had, as implications affect the global supply chain. Corporate Intelligence, Insurance, Space, Defence, Logistics, and many more verticals in industry and government have woken up to these risks. The industry needs to have capabilities that will be able to withstand a host of different measures and attacks from both hardware and software.?

For people facing this problem, there is no better place to look than Israeli tech to protect against such concerns.

Israeli solutions?

Windward – Protect national borders and enhance your security risk management with real-time and actionable intelligence on deceptive shipping practices and threats.

Titan Shield - Titan Shield is one of the leading security consulting companies in Israel. With a wide range of consultants in varied expertise, Titan Shield offers an array of land and maritime protection services. The firm assists states, companies, and ports to improve land and maritime border security and the protection of their assets and employees from risks caused by terror and other threats.

Captain’s Eye – Captain's Eye developed an AI system based on CCTV to alert on safety and security issues. This solution can be utilised for the maritime, petrochemical, plants, factories and ports.

Cydome Security - Built-for-maritime cybersecurity that protects your IT and OT in real-time, provides fleet-wide risk management and accelerates regulatory compliance.

Maritime intelligence is no longer a niche concern—it’s a critical component of global security and economic stability. With threats continuing to evolve, the role of advanced technologies and comprehensive strategies cannot be overstated. The integration of innovative solutions, including those developed by Israeli companies, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of maritime operations.