Maritime investigations are becoming harder, not easier.
As vessel behaviour grows more complex and regulatory scrutiny increases, Legal, Claims, and Compliance teams are under pressure to reach decisions faster, with greater confidence. Yet many investigations still rely on a familiar mix of AIS data, vessel statements, and fragmented third-party inputs. Increasingly, that is not enough.
The limits of AIS and self-reported data
AIS remains a critical tool, but it was never designed to be definitive evidence. Spoofing, deliberate gaps, and inaccurate transmissions are now well-documented risks. In high-stakes situations such as collisions, dark activity, or sanctions exposure, relying on AIS alone can leave too much room for doubt.
When disputes arise, teams are often left piecing together partial data sets and competing narratives. This creates delays, increases escalation risk, and weakens the defensibility of decisions.
Satellite imagery helps, but only if it can be trusted
Satellite imagery has become more accessible, but access alone does not solve the problem. A raw image, without proper context or expert interpretation, can introduce as many questions as it answers.
Key challenges remain:
Without expert analysis, teams are often forced to interpret complex imagery themselves or seek additional validation elsewhere, slowing investigations further.
The rising expectation of defensible proof
Across insurance, legal, and compliance functions, expectations have shifted. Decisions are no longer judged solely on process, but on the quality and credibility of supporting evidence.
Regulators, underwriters, courts, and internal risk committees increasingly expect:
This has widened the gap between the data teams have and the evidence they are expected to present.
The role of human expertise in closing the gap
Technology alone does not resolve ambiguity. The most effective intelligence combines advanced data sources with experienced human analysis. Context matters in maritime investigations, and understanding vessel behaviour requires domain expertise as much as technical capability.
Expert-led interpretation helps ensure imagery is not only accurate, but meaningful. It turns static visuals into explanations that support confident, defensible decisions.
Looking ahead
As maritime risk continues to evolve, the demand for clearer, faster, and more reliable evidence will only grow. Organisations that bridge the gap between raw data and actionable intelligence will be better positioned to manage disputes, reduce exposure, and act with confidence.
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore how satellite-derived intelligence and expert analysis are reshaping maritime investigations, and what that means for teams operating in high-risk environments.
To learn more about emerging best practices in maritime intelligence and investigation workflows, speak to our team.
