Why maritime organisations need to recognise the difference between information and intelligence

The maritime sector creates and has access to a substantial amount of data. Unfiltered and unmanaged, this data can quickly become overwhelming. Data sources for weather events, vessel movements, and incidents are plentiful, allowing organisations to pull together and share vast quantities of data at any time. However, no organisation benefits from having every piece of data available. To illustrate, consider your email inbox: imagine being bombarded with thousands of emails an hour versus receiving only the correspondence that requires your attention. The difference is self-evident.

Every maritime organisation operates with its own priorities and worldview. The distinction between information and intelligence lies in the ability to transform raw data into actionable insights that address the organisation’s most pressing questions. For instance, take weather forecasting. Although different models might present slight variations, they essentially draw from the same data set to paint a broad picture. What elevates this information into intelligence is the analysis of what the weather means for your operations and the guidance on steps to mitigate any negative impacts. Intelligence transforms abstract data into practical, strategic decision-making tools.

Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, sanctions compliance has become an increasingly complex yet essential task for maritime organisations. Recently, G7 countries renewed their commitment to cracking down on Russia’s evasion of oil sanctions. This included introducing new sanctions targeting Putin’s shadow fleet - both vessels and their owners.

For businesses operating in this space, it is critical to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of any affiliations with newly sanctioned entities. Failure to comply can be extremely costly, both financially and reputationally.

In this evolving situation, where new sanctions are frequently introduced, intelligence has become indispensable for keeping business operations on track. 

Organisations need more than just lists of sanctioned entities; they require dynamic insights into how sanctions might affect their supply chains, contractual obligations, and broader operations. Intelligence provides this clarity, helping organisations navigate treacherous waters with confidence.

Critically for organisations large and small, intelligence is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to advancements in “off-the-shelf” tailored solutions such as Roke’s Geollect platform. For organisations facing complex environments and volatile challenges, consolidating intelligence into a single, centralised platform offers significant advantages. Relying on disparate solutions for individual issues is neither efficient nor sustainable—especially in an industry where time is a critical resource.

Adopting an adaptable, integrated solution allows organisations to visualise complex information meaningfully and act on insights from the moment the system goes live. By delivering precise outputs tailored to organisational needs, these solutions turn the overwhelming flow of information into actionable intelligence, enabling businesses to thrive in challenging conditions. Geollect provides organisations with the tools to uncover hidden patterns of activity and ensures that its users know where, know first and know more.

In today’s maritime industry, actionable intelligence is no longer a luxury for those who can afford but a necessity that is simply too costly to go without. As geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and regulatory complexities continue to shape the global landscape, organisations that prioritise access to and the deployment of tailored intelligence over mere information will be better positioned to protect their assets, seize opportunities, and navigate challenges effectively.

By recognising the difference between information and intelligence, maritime businesses can elevate their operations, ensure compliance, and safeguard their future. Ultimately, intelligence is the anchor that stabilises organisations in a sea of uncertainty.