Global Dark Vessel Watch

Global Dark Vessel Watch is one of Ursa Space Systems' ready-made data subscriptions: a standardised dataset for detecting vessels that are not transmitting an AIS signal, which Ursa describes as a key dataset for maritime security and sanctions enforcement. Ships that switch off their AIS transponders ('go dark') leave a gap in maritime coverage that hinders efforts to enforce sanctions, prevent illegal fishing and piracy, and follow cargoes from origin to destination.

Ursa calls the dataset an integrated solution. The vessel-detection analytic that Ursa documents, and also sells as a Signature Solution or as part of made-to-order products, finds vessels in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery and correlates each detection with satellite AIS data from Spire and, optionally, with satellite radio-frequency (RF) detections; a radar detection with no matching AIS report marks a potential dark vessel. Ursa does not state publicly which sensors, optional outputs or accuracy figures apply to the subscription itself.

Subscribers receive standardised results with historical depth through an API feed into their own tools or in familiar formats such as CSV. Decision-ready insight reports with maps and risk assessments are also available. Fees are set by quotation under Ursa's Data Subscription Agreement.