Marine underwriters operate in a rapidly evolving environment, challenged by the complexity of global shipping and the rise in deceptive practices such as AIS (Automatic Identification System) deactivation. These tactics obscure vessel movements, complicating risk assessment. Space-based radio frequency (RF) detection, combined with a monosatellite technology(1), offers a transformative solution, providing independent and reliable data on maritime activity.
RF detection satellites capture emissions from ship communication systems, even when AIS is switched off. This complements traditional monitoring tools, such as AIS and optical imagery, by revealing hidden movements. For marine underwriters, this data is crucial for identifying potential risks, such as ships operating in piracy-prone areas or engaging in unauthorised activities in exclusive economic zones.
The technology also enhances compliance monitoring by detecting vessels breaching international maritime regulations. For example, unauthorised entry into marine reserves can signal potential environmental liabilities or regulatory violations. Underwriters can use this intelligence to inform policy terms and reduce exposure to unforeseen risks.
The global marine insurance market saw premiums rise to $38.9 billion in 2023, a 5.9% increase from the previous year (IUMI Stats Report 2024). Yet, this growth is shadowed by the expanding number of ships evading monitoring systems. Advanced technologies like RF detection are increasingly necessary to ensure accurate risk evaluation and sustainable underwriting.
Additionally, RF detection contributes to sustainability efforts by identifying illegal activities such as ocean dumping and unregulated fishing, aligning underwriting practices with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Unlike traditional surveillance methods, it operates under all weather and lighting conditions, ensuring better coverage.
Unseenlabs, among the leaders in this field, has deployed a constellation of 15 monosatellites dedicated to RF detection. By offering critical data for marine surveillance, this technology equips underwriters with a powerful tool to refine risk assessments and enhance decision making in a dynamic and increasingly complex maritime landscape.
(1) A monosatellite system detects and locates RF signals using one satellite, unlike triangulation, which requires multiple satellites to calculate a signal's position.