As geopolitical tensions rise and more vessels operate with switched-off or manipulated AIS signals, maritime surveillance is entering a new era. What was once primarily a matter of tracking vessel movements has become increasingly important for security, critical infrastructure and commercial shipping.
Business Development, Earth Observation and Innovation at Space Norway, about how satellite-based maritime domain awareness is evolving to meet these new challenges. The conversation explores why the Arctic has become strategically important, how radar satellites complement AIS, and why the concept of “No Vessel Unseen” has gained increasing relevance.
According to Flack, growing geopolitical tensions, the rise of shadow fleets and the increasing use of AIS spoofing are changing the way maritime activity must be monitored. Persistent, non-cooperative surveillance from space enables authorities to identify vessels that deliberately avoid or manipulate conventional tracking systems, while also strengthening the protection of offshore energy infrastructure and critical shipping routes.
The discussion also examines how these capabilities extend beyond defence. Commercial shipping, insurers and offshore operators increasingly depend on reliable maritime domain awareness as security risks evolve and operational transparency becomes more valuable.
Looking ahead, Flack explains how sensor fusion, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence are transforming Earth observation. As satellites collect ever larger volumes of data, the challenge is no longer gathering information, but extracting meaningful insights that support faster and better-informed maritime decision-making.
