SynMax Maritime

At SynMax, we are dedicated to protecting the sustainability of our oceans by tackling illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing head-on. To do so, our maritime domain awareness platform, #Theia, analyses and fuses multiple data sources, including global AIS and more than 25 million KM2 of over-ocean satellite imagery. One might question the effectiveness of AIS data in tracking vessels that typically deactivate their AIS to engage in #IUUfishing. Yet, historical AIS data is invaluable for predicting potential hotspots of such illicit activities. A telling example is the noticeable absence of AIS tracks within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of nations like Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Senegal, Liberia, and Angola, despite intense fishing activity just outside these zones. This pattern supports the theory that vessels turn off their #AIS as they cross into vulnerable EEZs to engage in IUU fishing. Theia leverages broad-scale #satelliteimagery as its primary means of vessel detection, empowering us to track ships regardless of their AIS status. This capability ensures that even the most vulnerable, remote areas are under vigilant surveillance and acts as a #forcemultiplier for physical assets. By doing so, Theia protects marine biodiversity and bolsters the economic stability of communities dependent on #sustainablefishing. Discover how Theia's cutting-edge satellite imagery and AI-driven analysis are making a difference in maritime conservation by visiting us at https://hubs.li/Q03fN2q40. #MaritimeSecurity #AI #OceanConservation #IUUFishing #OceanSustainability #DataDrivenConservation #SatelliteTechnology #MarineBiodiversity #GlobalAIS #EEZProtection #InnovativeSurveillance #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow

On the 29th of June 2024, SynMax's maritime domain awareness platform #Theia detected 200 AIS dark vessels that matched the Chinese Maritime Fishing Militia's description in the Union Banks, South China Sea. Part of the contested #SpratlyIslands, the Union Banks are claimed by the PRC, Vietnam, and the Philippines. By the 29th of July 2024, only 40 vessels were detected in the same area. Theia ingests and analyses more than 25 million KM2 of #satelliteimagery daily to monitor maritime activity and identify patterns of life (POL). Theia’s proprietary #AI automatically detects vessels to simplify the surveillance of #territorialwaters and allow for the direct and efficient deployment of maritime assets to critical areas. You can learn more about what Theia brings to the table at https://hubs.li/Q03fzMq30. #MaritimeSecurity, #AIS, #MaritimeDomainAwareness, #SatelliteImagery, #ArtificialIntelligence, #SouthChinaSea, #VesselDetection, #MaritimeMilitia, #ForceMultiplier, #DataAnalysis, #SurveillanceTechnology, #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow

We’re often asked whether medium-resolution #satelliteimagery is detailed enough to deliver meaningful insights, especially when monitoring vessels on the high seas. The answer is a clear yes. SynMax’s maritime domain awareness platform, #Theia, detects, attributes, and tracks tens of thousands of vessels every day across more than 25 million km² of ocean imagery. A driving force behind Theia’s development is our commitment to making a meaningful impact in the fight against illegal, unregulated, and unreported (#IUU) fishing. Vessels actively engaged in #fishing can be readily identified in the imagery. Theia’s advanced AI continues to track them—even when AIS is turned off or spoofed. By automatically storing all imagery of detected vessels, Theia builds a powerful historical archive of geolocated and time-stamped evidence— an essential tool in combating #IUUfishing worldwide. Visit our website https://hubs.li/Q03c_8Wm0 to find out more. #MaritimeIntelligence #VesselTracking #AIAnalytics #AIS #MaritimeSecurity #Innovation #GlobalMonitoring #DarkShipDetection #MaritimeOperations #DataDrivenDecisions #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow

UPDATE: Recently, SynMax's maritime domain awareness platform, Theia, observed trials of China’s self-propelled ‘Jack-Up’ barges (https://hubs.li/Q03cXYKj0). By the 20th of March, the barges had relocated to Donghai Island, China, approximately 18km south of the previous test sight on Nansan Island. On the 21st of March, Theia identified the barges lined up on the beach and connected by Bailey bridges. In a significant development of this trial phase, CHANG LE GONG ZHU (MMSI 413526230), a 130m Chinese-flagged Ro-Ro (roll-on-roll-off ferry), was observed interacting with the barges on the 21st of March. The vessel was detected approximately 7km from the barges at 03:42 UTC, before transiting west and arriving in the immediate vicinity of the 8-legged barge at 06:48 UTC. At 09:36 UTC, the CHANG LE GONG ZHU departed and returned to her previous location, approximately 7km east. It is assessed that the CHANG LE GONG ZHU likely docked with the 8-legged barge at the rear of the configuration. However, the Bailey bridge on the 4-legged barge appeared to be raised at the same angle in both images, suggesting that it remained raised throughout the reporting period. As such, it is considered unlikely that any beach dismounting was involved at this stage of testing. Three more barges, one of each type, were identified under construction at the shipyard and have been launched. Based on our assessment, these vessels took approximately five months to complete. An additional barge, assessed to be a prototype for the later models, was first spotted in September 2021. #MaritimeDomainAwareness #Theia #China #JackUpBarges #MaritimeTechnology #RoRoFerry #VesselTracking #Innovation #ShippingIndustry #MaritimeTrials #NavalEngineering #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow

On the 17th of March, 2025, SynMax's maritime domain awareness platform, Theia, automatically detected 78,941 vessels over more than 25 million km2 of ingested #satelliteimagery. Theia’s data-agnostic AI fuses PlanetScope medium-resolution electro-optical imagery with global AIS, Sentinel 1 (#SAR), Sentinel 2 (EO), and other intelligence sources to locate, attribute, and track vessels in port and on the high seas. Theia's proprietary modules identify and negate evasive tactics, such as AIS #spoofing or illicit ship-to-ship (STS) transfers. Find out more at https://hubs.li/Q03cBr120 #MaritimeDomainAwareness #Theia #VesselTracking #AI #DataFusion #AIS #SyntheticApertureRadar #SAR #MaritimeSecurity #ShippingIndustry #Geospatial #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow

SynMax and Planet are tackling some of the hardest challenges on the ocean — together. With Planet's broad area imagery and SynMax’s AI, Theia tracks dark oil, illegal fishing, and other illicit activity across more than 20 million km² of the ocean. As Brendan• M puts it, "The relationship with Planet is brilliant, to be honest. We're both very focused on doing good in this world. We win together in this. Theia is a joint endeavor — not just data supplier and purchaser — but going to market together as well." A partnership built on a shared mission, real technology, and real results. #MaritimeDomainAwareness #SynMax #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow #GeospatialAI #Partnership SynMax Maritime

My colleague, Hyekyung Suh and I are thrilled to host our 3rd UK-Korea Green Maritime Inward Mission in the UK this week! 🌊🚢 Maritime transport underpins 90% of global trade in a market valued at £11 billion annually. Korea dominates global shipbuilding with 38% market share and 3 of the world's top 4 shipbuilders, delivering vessels worth over £18 billion yearly. Meanwhile, the UK excels in maritime services (£5.2B), clean maritime technology, autonomous systems, and maritime finance – with London managing 25% of global maritime insurance. As our industry navigates the challenging waters of IMO's Net Zero mandates, this UK-Korea complementary partnership becomes more crucial than ever under the framework of the Downing Street Accord. This inward visit programme brought together Korea's maritime powerhouses: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HD Hyundai Samho Co., Ltd., alongside key shipowners HMM, Hyundai GLOVIS (Head Quater), and Pan Ocean Co., Ltd. Our UK businesses showcased cutting-edge decarbonisation and digitalisation technologies: • Ship Performance: BMT, Martek Marine Ltd, Babcock International Group • Smart Shipping: SpecTec, Chelsea Technologies Ltd, Marine AI, SynMax • Route to Net Zero: ANEMOI Silverstream Technologies, VPS Emsys NatPower Marine, Subsea7 Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Floating Wind Innovation Centre (FLOWIC) Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering presentations at University of Strathclyde, PNDC and National Manufacturing Institute Scotland tours, Ricardo plc, Clarksons Research, Viasat INMARSAT and Lloyd's Register With Korea's shipbuilding expertise and the UK's leadership in maritime innovation, we're uniquely positioned to develop the zero-emission vessels and alternative fuel solutions needed to meet IMO targets. A special thanks to Lord Tom Watson, UK's Special Trade Envoy to Korea, and Martin Kent HTMC to Asia, for their leadership and support in strengthening this important partnership.

On the 4th of March, 2025, the BIG MAG (IMO 9263215), a 333-meter crude #oiltanker, began spoofing her location approximately 70km NE of Desaru, Malaysia. On the 8th of March, SynMax's maritime domain awareness platform, Theia, detected her engaging in a ship-to-ship (#STS) transfer with another #AIS dark tanker approximately 30km from her false location. The BIG MAG started her journey in Changxingdao, #China. On the 23rd of February, she was imaged alongside with a small area of freshly painted deck visible against the older paint. At the time of the #AIS dark STS transfer, less than two weeks later, a quarter of her deck had been repainted. #Theia's proprietary AI, analyzing 25 million km2 of satellite imagery daily, monitored and adapted to changes in the BIG MAG’s appearance, even as she began #spoofing her location. This enabled continuous, accurate tracking and ensured the provision of #actionableintelligence. #MaritimeSecurity #ShipTracking #SynMax #MaritimeDomainAwareness #SatelliteImagery #AI #ShippingIndustry #STSTransfer #BigMag #Intelligence #MaritimeTechnology #Maritime #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow

Four oil tankers recently experienced explosions soon after visiting a #Russian port—three in the Mediterranean and one in the Baltic. It remains unclear who is responsible, but analysts suggest human involvement. MDA platform #Theia investigated their movements in the preceding months. Visit our website https://hubs.li/Q03bX1Fk0 to learn more about what Theia can do for you. #MaritimeSecurity #ShippingNews #VesselTracking #Geopolitics #EnergySecurity #SatelliteImagery #MaritimeDomainAwareness #RiskManagement #Insurance #SupplyChainRisk #ActionableIntelligence #WhyGuessWhenYouCanKnow