Windward AI

Windward AI is a maritime intelligence firm that analyzes shipping data to identify and track illicit activities at sea. They are currently newsworthy due to their reporting on sanctions evasion, deceptive shipping practices, and the impact of geopolitical conflicts on maritime traffic. Recent reports from Windward AI have highlighted Russia's use of 'spoofing' tactics to ship fuel to Cuba, ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman using a 'shadow fleet', and Iran's targeting of vessels in the Gulf of Oman. They also reported on fires at Iran's Bandar Abbas naval headquarters. Their analysis is relevant because it provides insights into how countries and entities are circumventing sanctions and engaging in potentially destabilizing activities, offering valuable information to governments, businesses, and researchers.