AIS Data Provision

AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology provides an effective means of tracking ships. The technology is based on Very High Frequency (VHF) broadcasting and carriage of AIS is mandatory for the majority of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) ships greater than 300 gross tonnes. A proportion of other vessels, e.g., fishing and leisure craft, carry it voluntarily due to its usefulness.

Anatec have been involved in AIS data collection and tracking since 2001. Having been involved in tracking ships for over 20 years, we have built and extensive databank of shipping data worldwide and continue to collect data from a vast range of receivers around the globe. Our sources include terrestrial stations, satellite as well as ships and offshore installations, with our software and hardware being installed on over 100 vessels.

Having extensive datasets with worldwide coverage allows us to provide good data to our clients for evaluating projects at a very early stage. We have provided both the data and the expertise to go with it to many projects across with world. Examples of this include site selection work for UK Offshore Wind Farms (Round 2, Round 2.5, Round 3 and Round 4 as well as the Scotwind site selection process in the UK). Worldwide we have provided data for studies in Europe, West Africa, US, South America, Middle East and Australasia. For companies and organisation who want good reliable data and understanding and advice to go with it, then Anatec is the number one company to provide it.

AIS Tracking

Anatec has developed a suite of software tools to assist in the monitoring and tracking of AIS-equipped ships. AIS Tracker allows the user to view vessels live on nautical charts and/or customised backgrounds, e.g., to display wells, safety zones, pipelines, wind turbines, etc. This system also allows the data to be viewed remotely either online, via a secure website, or on a desktop package. Shore based personnel can then view the live AIS data from one or more sites to obtain a comprehensive picture of shipping movements around their assets at any time. This information can also be shared with rescue services, such as the Coastguard, to improve the response in an incident.

Data on each of the targets is obtained through point-and-click or touchscreen. Information is available on each ship in range, including:

• Name / Callsign / Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
• Global Positioning System (GPS) Position (Latitude / Longitude)
• Type + Size
• Hazardous Cargo
• Destination
• Speed / Course over Ground

As well as live viewing, time-stamped data is stored off site so that it is available for subsequent analysis and playback. This has been called upon following incidents, such as collisions, to investigate vessel movements before, during and after the event. Longer term data can be plotted to analyse in-field and passing vessel behaviour around a location, e.g., for input to ship-platform collision risk assessment.

As well as receiving data via AIS, Anatec can advise on, procure and install AIS equipment on offshore installations to broadcast their presence to AIS-equipped vessels. This is a cost-effective collision risk management measure. Anatec’s software is used by Cable Companies, Offshore Oil & Gas Companies as well as by Offshore Wind Farm Operators.