New software tool aims to bolster maritime security and protect critical undersea assets
Maritime analytics company Windward has launched a new AI-driven solution, the Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection, designed to help cable operators and law enforcement agencies protect vital undersea assets such as communication cables and oil rigs.
The software combines historical data, behavioural patterns, and predictive analytics to deliver comprehensive risk analysis for maritime infrastructure. It tracks potentially high-risk vessels, issuing alerts to cable owners, coast guards, and naval authorities when vessels approach sensitive areas. The tool allows operators to customise alerts and incorporate their own data to suit specific infrastructure needs.
“The economic and geopolitical implications of undersea infrastructure sabotage are staggering,” said Ami Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Windward. “Beyond the immediate disruptions, national stability and financial implications for businesses relying on cables for connectivity and operational continuity are immense.”
Rising Concerns Over Cable Security
The software’s launch follows a series of high-profile incidents involving subsea cable damage in the Baltics and the Red Sea, raising global awareness about the vulnerability of these critical assets. Just this week, damage to a cable connecting Sweden and Latvia was deemed an accident, though concerns about potential sabotage remain high among European leaders.
According to data from Insikt Group, there are over 100 cable faults reported annually, highlighting the need for robust monitoring and protection systems.
“While recent incidents remain under investigation, the growing risks — whether accidental or intentional — underscore the urgent need for advanced monitoring,” Daniel said. “With our Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution, we aim to defend all stakeholders from this new kind of warfare.”
The solution promises to deliver more detailed threat intelligence, enabling faster and more effective decision-making by operators and authorities.
Strengthening Resilience
With undersea cables being the backbone of global internet connectivity and essential for various industries, securing these assets is becoming increasingly critical. Beyond communication networks, these cables hold significant geopolitical and economic importance.
Windward’s new offering positions itself as a crucial tool in maritime security, addressing an evolving threat landscape where both accidental damage and potential state-sponsored sabotage pose significant risks. The software’s advanced capabilities aim to foster better collaboration between private operators and law enforcement, contributing to a safer and more secure maritime environment.
