What is AIS (Automatic Identification System)?
Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a maritime transponder technology that automatically transmits a vessel’s identity, position, course, speed, and other data to nearby vessels and shore-based receivers. Originally developed for collision avoidance between ships, AIS has become the foundation of global vessel tracking, port management, maritime surveillance, and maritime data services.
AIS operates on VHF radio frequencies. Class A transponders are mandatory on SOLAS vessels (cargo ships over 300 GT on international voyages and all passenger vessels), while Class B transponders are used by smaller vessels. Shore-based AIS receivers collect transmissions from vessels within radio range; satellite AIS (S-AIS) extends coverage to open ocean areas beyond shore receiver range.
What AIS data is transmitted?
Every AIS transmission includes the vessel’s MMSI number (a unique maritime identity), vessel name and call sign, vessel type and dimensions, current position (latitude and longitude), speed over ground, course over ground, heading, navigational status, and timestamp. This data is transmitted every 2–10 seconds for vessels underway and every 3 minutes for vessels at anchor.
MSG AIS Database
Made Smart Group (A Tidalis company) maintains one of the maritime industry’s most comprehensive historical AIS databases, collecting and archiving vessel position and voyage data since 2005. As the only maritime data services company owned by a VTS and port management software vendor, the MSG + Tidalis combination gives customers a single source for operational systems and data intelligence, a combination no competitor can match
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What you can do with MSG AIS data
Real-time vessel tracking and monitoring
MSG Tracker provides real-time AIS-based vessel tracking and monitoring accessible through any standard web browser from any location. Track individual vessels, monitor fleet positions, set up geofence alerts for defined zones, and access current and historical voyage data without installing software or managing infrastructure. API access enables integration into existing operational systems.
Fleet management and passage planning
MSG Navigator delivers optimal route and distance calculation from millions of pre-defined maritime routes, supporting efficient and safe passage planning for fleet operators, tug and pilot organisations, and offshore logistics coordinators. Combining real-time vessel positions with route optimisation reduces fuel consumption, improves ETA accuracy, and supports just-in-time arrival planning.
Incident and traffic analysis
With over 20 years of historical AIS data, MSG enables deep incident investigation and traffic pattern analysis. Maritime lawyers, marine surveyors, hull insurers, and incident investigation authorities use MSG’s historical data to reconstruct vessel movements, verify reported positions, and analyse the circumstances of groundings, collisions, and near-miss events.
Maritime surveillance and patrol planning
Coast guards, customs authorities, and maritime law enforcement agencies use MSG’s vessel tracking data to plan patrol coverage, identify anomalous vessel behaviour, monitor vessel compliance with zone restrictions, and support pre-arrival intelligence for port security. Integrated with CoastControl’s operational picture, MSG AIS data becomes the data layer that turns surveillance into informed enforcement action.
Emissions tracking and decarbonisation reporting
The FuelEU Maritime regulation (effective January 2025) and IMO decarbonisation reporting requirements are driving demand for accurate vessel movement data to calculate fuel consumption and emissions. MSG’s AIS data platform, combined with its weather and oceanographic data services, provides the data foundation for voyage-level emissions calculation, CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) monitoring, and FuelEU Maritime compliance reporting.
AIS data integrated with MaritimeControl and PortControl
As part of the Tidalis platform, MSG’s AIS data is integrated directly into MaritimeControl and PortControl, creating a data layer that connects operational systems to the broader maritime ecosystem. Vessel positioning data enriches VTS situational awareness. Tidal and weather data feeds into port visit planning. Historical AIS tracks support incident investigation and operational analytics.
This integration is unique in the market. No other VTS or PMIS vendor owns a comparable primary maritime data capability. The combination of operational systems and data intelligence under one roof, from one independent company, is the defining characteristic of the Tidalis platform.
Who uses MSG AIS data?
Offshore construction companies
Vessel tracking, weather routing, and passage planning for complex offshore operations.
Hull insurers and marine lawyers
Historical AIS data for incident investigation, liability assessment and voyage verification.
Tug and pilot organisations
Vessel positioning, tidal data, and passage planning integrated into pre-arrival workflows.
Coast guards and surveillance authorities
Vessel positioning, tidal data, and passage planning integrated into pre-arrival workflows.
Salvage operators
Real-time vessel monitoring, historical track analysis, and incident investigation data.
Shipping companies
Fleet management, fuel optimisation, and just-in-time arrival planning.
Port authorities
Vessel positioning enriching PortControl PMIS for real-time berth planning and traffic management.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
01 What does AIS stand for in shipping?
02 How does AIS vessel tracking work?
03 What is an AIS-dark vessel?
04 What is historical AIS data used for?
05 Can AIS data support FuelEU Maritime compliance?
Let’s talk about your data needs
Tell us what decisions your teams are making and what maritime data is currently missing behind them. Our data specialists will show you exactly what the AIS network changes, and how it integrates with your existing operational systems.
