AI helps prevent oil spills

This is the message from a predictive intelligence expert who says port authorities need to arrange for periodic satellite imagery of their seas that can be analysed by AI platforms, alongside , weather conditions, currents, and other factors, providing them with a real-time alert on potential oil spills

Ami Daniel, co-founder & CEO of Windward, said: AI platforms can automatically analyse these images to identify signs of a change in the water’s composition. Should an oil spill occur, AI systems can effectively establish a timeframe of the spill and narrow down the list of potential perpetrators based on the type of vessel and the vessels that were within the spill area at the time.

This is how Windward assisted in identifying those involved in the February oil spill in the Mediterranean Sea.

Environmental stakes are high

While the sheer number of oil spills each year is decreasing, the environmental damages incurred are still massive.

Daniel added: “While satellite imagery and advanced AI platforms may be costly, they are far lower than a clean-up operation for a larger oil spill which can reach up to $7.5 billion not to speak of the environmental and reputational costs.”

If deployed widely, AI-based monitoring can further act as a deterrent, Daniel explained.

“Ship operators and owners are aware of the substantial economic and reputational costs associated with spills, and with AI monitoring the seas, they’d have all the more incentive to take every precaution needed to avert a spill.”

Windward’s AI platform is a SaaS model. The company provides insights and data to its customers via the cloud or as an API data feed.