AI monitors risks to undersea infrastructure in new Windward tool

Maritime AI company Windward has launched a new AI-powered solution designed to protect critical undersea infrastructure through advanced monitoring and threat detection capabilities.

The innovation at hand: Windward’s Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution combines AI-driven behavioral detection with cable mapping and predictive analytics to safeguard subsea cables, pipelines, and offshore rigs.

• The system provides real-time alerts for suspicious maritime activity near critical infrastructure
• Integration with Dataminr enhances threat detection capabilities through analysis of publicly available data
• The solution includes MAI Expert, a virtual subject matter expert that delivers in-depth risk analysis

Current threat landscape: Recent incidents of cable damage in the Baltic Sea and near Taiwan, coupled with an average of over 100 cable faults annually, highlight growing vulnerabilities in global maritime infrastructure.

• Proximity of cable faults to areas of geopolitical conflict raises concerns about intentional sabotage
• Economic and national security implications of infrastructure damage are significant
• The system helps protect vital communication and energy networks that support global commerce

Key features and capabilities: The platform offers comprehensive monitoring and response capabilities for various stakeholders in the maritime security sector.

• Organizations can customize risk parameters and alerts based on specific infrastructure needs
• The solution supports both real-time monitoring and post-incident investigations
• Users can incorporate their own data to enhance monitoring effectiveness
• The platform provides evidence gathering capabilities for insurers and law enforcement

Strategic partnerships: Windward’s December 2024 collaboration with Dataminr strengthens the platform’s ability to detect and respond to threats.

• The partnership integrates Dataminr’s real-time AI capabilities with Windward’s existing platform
• Combined technologies enhance the detection of events, risks, and critical information
• The integration creates a more robust threat detection ecosystem

Market applications: The solution serves a diverse range of organizations involved in maritime infrastructure protection and management.

• Government agencies, including defense and intelligence services, can utilize the platform for security operations
• Telecommunication providers can protect their undersea cable networks
• Energy companies can monitor offshore assets and pipelines
• Coast guard organizations can enhance their maritime domain awareness

Future implications: As maritime infrastructure faces increasingly sophisticated threats, the development of AI-powered monitoring solutions represents a critical step in protecting global communication and energy networks, though the effectiveness of such systems will depend on continued technological advancement and international cooperation.