What Is AIS? How It Powers Maritime Innovation and Seavium
Jan 8, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to AIS: How It Powers Maritime Innovation and Seavium
In the vast and unpredictable oceans, understanding the position, movement, and status of vessels is essential for safe and efficient operations. Enter AIS (Automatic Identification System)—a groundbreaking technology that has transformed maritime navigation and logistics. But what exactly is AIS, how does it work, and how does it fuel platforms like Seavium? Let’s dive in.
What Is AIS?
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime communication system that enables ships and coastal authorities to share critical navigation data in real-time. Originally developed to enhance safety and prevent collisions, AIS has since evolved into a tool that underpins a wide array of maritime activities.
AIS transponders onboard vessels continuously transmit information such as:
Vessel position (latitude and longitude).
Course and speed (over ground).
Identification details (name, IMO, MMSI).
Status (at anchor, underway, moored).
Destination and ETA.
This data is received by other vessels, coastal stations, and satellites, creating a dynamic network of maritime intelligence.
How Does AIS Work?
AIS operates on VHF radio frequencies to transmit and receive signals. Here’s how the process works:
Transmission: Every AIS-equipped vessel has a transponder that broadcasts its data at regular intervals.
Reception: Other vessels, coastal stations, or AIS-enabled satellites pick up these signals.
Integration: The received data is integrated into navigational systems, enabling real-time situational awareness.
AIS comes in two types:
Class A: Mandated for large vessels, offering detailed and frequent transmissions.
Class B: Used by smaller vessels, with less frequent updates.
How Do Companies Access AIS Data?
AIS data is collected through various channels, including:
Terrestrial Stations: Coastal antennas capture AIS signals within a range of approximately 40 nautical miles.
Satellite AIS (S-AIS): Extends coverage to remote oceanic regions, enabling global tracking.
Aggregators: Companies like Mapsea or MarineTraffic compile and sell AIS data via APIs.
These sources provide raw data that businesses can leverage for navigation, logistics, and analytics.
How Seavium Uses AIS Data to Revolutionize Maritime Chartering
At Seavium, we harness AIS data to transform the way the offshore industry operates. Here’s how:
1. Real-Time Vessel Tracking
AIS allows us to track over 500 vessels globally, ensuring that clients always have access to up-to-date information. This is critical for efficient vessel sourcing and operations.
2. Big Data Integration
Using APIs from trusted AIS providers, we collect and integrate vast amounts of data into Seavium’s platform. This provides users with real-time visibility into vessel locations, status, and availability.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Analysis
AIS data is just the beginning. With AI-powered algorithms, we analyze historical and live data to:
Predict vessel availability.
Optimize charter routes.
Reduce mobilization costs.
4. Reducing Environmental Impact
By using AIS data to find vessels closest to a project site, Seavium helps clients minimize fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.
Why AIS Is Essential for the Offshore Industry
AIS is more than a tracking tool—it’s a game-changer for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Here’s why:
Enhanced Safety: Prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation.
Operational Efficiency: Streamline vessel management and logistics.
Data-Driven Decisions: Use insights to optimize operations and reduce costs.
Explore Seavium: AIS Data, Reinvented for Chartering
At Seavium, we’ve taken AIS data to the next level. By combining it with our cutting-edge platform, we provide:
Real-time vessel availability.
Data-driven insights powered by AI.
A seamless experience for finding and booking vessels worldwide.
Ready to transform your maritime operations?
🚀 Explore our platform today and discover how Seavium leverages AIS to revolutionize offshore chartering.
📩 Contact us at sales@seavium.com
🌐 Try our app for free: Seavium App Link
The Ultimate Guide to AIS: How It Powers Maritime Innovation and Seavium
In the vast and unpredictable oceans, understanding the position, movement, and status of vessels is essential for safe and efficient operations. Enter AIS (Automatic Identification System)—a groundbreaking technology that has transformed maritime navigation and logistics. But what exactly is AIS, how does it work, and how does it fuel platforms like Seavium? Let’s dive in.
What Is AIS?
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime communication system that enables ships and coastal authorities to share critical navigation data in real-time. Originally developed to enhance safety and prevent collisions, AIS has since evolved into a tool that underpins a wide array of maritime activities.
AIS transponders onboard vessels continuously transmit information such as:
Vessel position (latitude and longitude).
Course and speed (over ground).
Identification details (name, IMO, MMSI).
Status (at anchor, underway, moored).
Destination and ETA.
This data is received by other vessels, coastal stations, and satellites, creating a dynamic network of maritime intelligence.
How Does AIS Work?
AIS operates on VHF radio frequencies to transmit and receive signals. Here’s how the process works:
Transmission: Every AIS-equipped vessel has a transponder that broadcasts its data at regular intervals.
Reception: Other vessels, coastal stations, or AIS-enabled satellites pick up these signals.
Integration: The received data is integrated into navigational systems, enabling real-time situational awareness.
AIS comes in two types:
Class A: Mandated for large vessels, offering detailed and frequent transmissions.
Class B: Used by smaller vessels, with less frequent updates.
How Do Companies Access AIS Data?
AIS data is collected through various channels, including:
Terrestrial Stations: Coastal antennas capture AIS signals within a range of approximately 40 nautical miles.
Satellite AIS (S-AIS): Extends coverage to remote oceanic regions, enabling global tracking.
Aggregators: Companies like Mapsea or MarineTraffic compile and sell AIS data via APIs.
These sources provide raw data that businesses can leverage for navigation, logistics, and analytics.
How Seavium Uses AIS Data to Revolutionize Maritime Chartering
At Seavium, we harness AIS data to transform the way the offshore industry operates. Here’s how:
1. Real-Time Vessel Tracking
AIS allows us to track over 500 vessels globally, ensuring that clients always have access to up-to-date information. This is critical for efficient vessel sourcing and operations.
2. Big Data Integration
Using APIs from trusted AIS providers, we collect and integrate vast amounts of data into Seavium’s platform. This provides users with real-time visibility into vessel locations, status, and availability.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Analysis
AIS data is just the beginning. With AI-powered algorithms, we analyze historical and live data to:
Predict vessel availability.
Optimize charter routes.
Reduce mobilization costs.
4. Reducing Environmental Impact
By using AIS data to find vessels closest to a project site, Seavium helps clients minimize fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.
Why AIS Is Essential for the Offshore Industry
AIS is more than a tracking tool—it’s a game-changer for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Here’s why:
Enhanced Safety: Prevent collisions and ensure safe navigation.
Operational Efficiency: Streamline vessel management and logistics.
Data-Driven Decisions: Use insights to optimize operations and reduce costs.
Explore Seavium: AIS Data, Reinvented for Chartering
At Seavium, we’ve taken AIS data to the next level. By combining it with our cutting-edge platform, we provide:
Real-time vessel availability.
Data-driven insights powered by AI.
A seamless experience for finding and booking vessels worldwide.
Ready to transform your maritime operations?
🚀 Explore our platform today and discover how Seavium leverages AIS to revolutionize offshore chartering.
📩 Contact us at sales@seavium.com
🌐 Try our app for free: Seavium App Link