Using satellite data, artificial intelligence and open maritime databases, a researcher from DTU Space has developed an online tool that makes it possible to track ship traffic in Danish waters. This also includes ships attempting to hide by switching off their so-called AIS transponders, which reveal their position.
Behind the project is Peder Heiselberg, a postdoc at DTU Space, who has developed the freely accessible platform OpenOceanWatch.
"We don't always have the opportunity to keep track of what's happening at sea. That's why I wanted to create a tool where anyone can freely access and view activity in Danish waters," says Peder Heiselberg.
All vessels detected by the system in the area are marked on a map. This includes ships that do not transmit the active AIS signal, which is normally used to display a ship's identity, course and speed, in order to avoid collisions, amongst other things. When the system detects an unknown vessel without an identifiable signal, it is marked in red.
A quick glance at the map shows that there are several of these unidentifiable "ghost ships" in Danish waters. In other words, vessels that have no or have turned off their AIS transponders, which are mandatory for larger merchant ships, passenger ships and larger fishing vessels.
"These could, for example, be vessels involved in illegal fishing. However, not all vessels are legally required to have a transponder on board," says Peder Heiselberg, pointing out that there is no requirement for AIS transponders for recreational sailors, for example.
