Pole Star Global has launched the Maritime Transparency Index (MTI), a machine learning-based risk scoring system designed to provide assessments of vessel, voyage, and ownership transparency. The MTI converts a variety of maritime compliance data into a single score ranging from 0, described as ‘Hard Dark’, to 5, classified as ‘Transparent’.
The index uses Pole Star’s maritime intelligence datasets and applies machine learning models to assess more than 40,000 vessels on a quarterly basis, representing around 80% of the active commercial fleet. The vessel score evaluates historical and structural indicators such as vessel age, ownership and flag changes, sanctions exposure, port state control detentions, and recorded deficiencies. Vessel position analysis focuses on AIS reporting gaps, spoofing activity, and other behavioural indicators collected from multiple position data sources.
Operational behaviours, including port call patterns, ship-to-ship transfers, slow steaming, unexplained delays, and exposure to higher-risk geographies, are also assessed by the system. Pole Star Global said the technology is designed to automatically identify issues such as AIS manipulation, dark activity, flag hopping, and frequent ownership changes, updating scores as vessel activity and risk profiles evolve.
“By combining machine learning and advanced analytics with 25 years of maritime intelligence expertise, we’ve created a tool that’s as powerful as it is simple to use,” said Saleem Khan, Chief Data and Analytics Officer of Pole Star Global. “MTI applies credit-style scoring to maritime operations, transforming complex data patterns into clear, actionable scores that give compliance teams, flag states, and ship owners a common language for transparency.”
“What once required hours of analysis now takes seconds, enabling our customers to make faster, more informed decisions while reducing exposure to sanctioned vessels and deceptive shipping practices.”
The MTI represents a significant leap forward in maritime transparency and compliance. By leveraging advanced machine learning models and comprehensive datasets, the index provides a clear, actionable metric that can guide decision-making across the industry. This tool is poised to become an essential resource for compliance teams, flag states, and ship owners, offering a standardized way to assess and mitigate risks associated with vessel operations.
The introduction of the MTI also highlights the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in the maritime sector. As regulatory pressures and the need for transparency increase, tools like the MTI will play a crucial role in helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of maritime compliance. By automating the analysis of vast amounts of data, the MTI allows users to quickly identify and address potential issues, ultimately reducing exposure to sanctioned vessels and deceptive shipping practices.
In an industry where time is often of the essence, the ability to make faster, more informed decisions can provide a significant competitive advantage. The MTI’s ability to transform complex data patterns into clear, actionable scores is a game-changer, offering a common language for transparency that can foster greater collaboration and trust within the maritime community.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the role of technology and data analytics will only become more pronounced. The MTI is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing longstanding challenges and paving the way for a more transparent and compliant future. With its advanced analytics and user-friendly interface, the MTI is set to become an indispensable tool for anyone involved in maritime operations, helping to ensure a safer, more transparent, and more efficient global shipping industry.