The maritime industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and Space Aye is leading the charge. This isn’t just another tech startup—it’s a game-changer, stitching together existing technologies to create something entirely new. The company’s patented system integrates AI with real-time satellite imagery, IoT connections, and wearable devices, offering capabilities that could redefine how we monitor, enforce, and optimise maritime operations.
Space Aye’s system has been dubbed “CCTV from space,” and for good reason. With over 1,800 Earth observation satellites currently in orbit—set to triple in the next four years—this technology can track virtually anything, anywhere, at any time. The implications for the maritime sector are vast. From enforcing environmental regulations to combating illegal activities like waste dumping, drug smuggling, and human trafficking, Space Aye’s capabilities could transform maritime security and compliance.
Chris Newlands, CEO and founder of Space Aye, is quick to point out that the technology is still evolving. “We’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer,” he said. “In five years, we’ll be able to identify criminal activity even when electronic devices are switched off in the dark.” This level of precision and real-time monitoring could make maritime crime a thing of the past.
But Space Aye’s ambitions extend far beyond enforcement. The technology has the potential to unlock significant efficiency gains in the shipping, logistics, and freight sector, which is valued at a staggering €8 trillion globally. Newlands highlights a 35% efficiency savings potential in the shipping sector alone—equivalent to €2.8 trillion, larger than the UK’s GDP. “That’s a lot of money,” he said, “and it’s money that can be reinvested into making the industry more sustainable and resilient.”
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), set to be fully implemented by 2029 for larger companies and 2030 for smaller businesses, adds another layer of urgency. This directive requires companies to assess and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts across their supply chains. Newlands argues that Space Aye’s technology can provide the necessary evidence to demonstrate compliance. “You can’t just have a picture with a pin on the map,” he said. “You need a random image to show that you’re actually doing what you say you’re doing.”
The stakes are high. Failure to comply with CSDDD could result in fines of up to 5% of a company’s net worldwide turnover, with member states able to set even higher penalties. For large corporations, that’s a significant financial risk. But Newlands sees it as an opportunity. “Companies can charge more and demonstrate value to their customers,” he said. “This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building trust and transparency.”
Space Aye’s business model is as innovative as its technology. The company’s large terrestrial exchange acts as a “hypermarket” for satellite imagery, consolidating multiple tasking processes and image formats. Customers can request imagery on a pay-as-you-go basis, receive it, and then merge it with IoT data securely behind their firewall. This approach shifts the economics of satellite imagery from selling 10 images to one customer to selling one image to 10,000 customers, creating a new business model for the satellite sector.
As the maritime industry grapples with the challenges of decarbonisation, digitalisation, and compliance, Space Aye’s technology offers a glimpse into a future where data-driven decision-making is the norm. The question is, who will harness this power? Newlands is cautious. “This technology is powerful, and it needs to be used responsibly,” he said. “We’re not just selling a product—we’re selling a capability that can change the world.”
The maritime industry is at a crossroads. The rapid pace of technological change shows no signs of slowing, and companies like Space Aye are at the forefront of this transformation. As the sector navigates the complexities of regulation, sustainability, and efficiency, one thing is clear: the future of maritime is data-driven, and the race is on to see who will lead the charge.