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Dark vessel detection technology launches
New Dark Vessel Detection technology will enable users to have access to both location information and radar satellite images of all detectable vessels – even when they do not have their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders turned on.
ICEYE’s global Dark Vessel Detection capabilities use the company’s space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to scan the oceans looking for vessels operating illegally.
For the first time, this technology from small imaging satellites will be widely available for governments, NGOs, and private customers to assist in curbing drug and human trafficking at sea; help find and track vessels doing illegal fishing; and improve enforcement activities against illegal transhipments of goods.
To enable access to location information and radar satellite images regardless of AIS status, ICEYE’s Dark Vessel Detection service is built on a clever combination of imagery collected by the company’s own radar satellites combined with ship identification data.
Resulting data is reliable and verifiable and can be collected day or night and in all weather conditions – even when areas are covered in clouds. Traditional optical imaging satellites do not image at night nor can they penetrate cloud cover.
Overall, the technology aims to improve coastal security, compliance of vessels operating within the countries’ waters, and preventing economic loss and environmental damage.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
