How to identify sanctioned and banned vessels

Why reliable vessel monitoring matters now 

Pressure on the maritime sector is increasing rapidly. Vessel traffic is rising worldwide, and security risks such as sanctions evasion and unauthorized anchoring continue to escalate. Compliance failures now carry serious consequences. At the same time, regulations are evolving, and expectations from authorities are growing stricter.

At the end of May 2025, the EU sanctioned more than 180 vessels in a single move, showing how quickly the risk landscape can shift. For those managing ports, national waters, or offshore infrastructure, the ability to identify and respond to potential threats in real time is becoming essential. 

It is no longer enough to see just the basic information about a vessel. To protect your borders or assets, you need deeper insight into the vessels sailing in your backyard. 

Developed to meet today’s operational demands 

At Gatehouse Maritime, we acknowledge how difficult it has become for maritime operators to keep up with these demands. That is why we developed Extended Vessel Information. A solution giving users immediate access to structured, real-time vessel data from trusted sources, delivered in one consolidated interface. The goal is to support fast, informed action the moment a risk emerges. 

As the name suggests, with Extended Vessel Information you get access to a wealth of additional information about vessels. Is the vessel sanctioned? Is the vessel banned? Did it fail its latest inspections? Who is the registered owner? This is intelligence you will not get from any free-to-use vessel platform. Information that enables authorities to make informed decisions. 

Extended Vessel Information offers more than data. It provides maritime authorities, ports, and offshore asset owners with actionable insights that improve situational awareness and reduce operational risk. By enabling early detection, streamlined planning, and automated compliance monitoring, the solution helps protect both infrastructure and regulatory integrity. 

How extended vessel information helps you stay ahead  

• Technical specifications such as build year, engine type, and inspection history (this can also include crew related inspections)  

• Full visibility into ownership, ship management, and ISM management structures 

• Real-time compliance indicators, including detentions, sanctions, bans and flag performance 

• Advanced filtering across many fields, such as vessel type, build year, sanction status, and last inspection 

• Access via the Maritime Domain Monitor platform or API integration into existing systems 

All data is combined into one interface that supports rapid decision-making and continuous monitoring. 

Real-world use cases for extended vessel information 

Early Detection of High-Risk Vessels

Vessels involved in sanctions evasion or other high-risk behaviour do not always operate covertly. Many appear to follow standard protocols while masking their risk profile through outdated registry information or complex ownership networks. Extended Vessel Information allows users to define custom alert criteria and receive notifications when vessels matching that profile enter their area of interest. An example of a high-risk behaviour is if a tanker over 25 years old with recent detentions enters a nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone, the system can alert maritime authorities immediately. This allows for prompt assessment and intervention before the vessel gets near critical waters or infrastructure. 

Improved Port Planning and Berth Allocation

Unpredictable vessel schedules and port congestion continue to challenge operators. Knowing the compliance and inspection history of an incoming vessel in advance helps optimize berth planning and reduce exposure to operational risks. If a vessel flagged for repeated Port State Control deficiencies is due to arrive, port managers can proactively assign it to a designated berth or delay docking. Extended Vessel Information supports these decisions by delivering the relevant data in real time, helping maintain safety and efficiency even during peak periods. 

Automated Compliance Monitoring for Offshore Infrastructure.

Operators of offshore wind farms, subsea cables, and pipelines require constant visibility into vessel activity around their assets. Extended Vessel Information enables automated risk scoring based on real-time vessel data, flagging any vessel with a known history of compliance violations or safety concerns. If a vessel with ISM deficiencies or a low-performing flag approaches an exclusion zone, the system immediately alerts the operator. This gives asset managers the opportunity to intervene early and avoid damage or regulatory breaches. 

Why actionable vessel data is essential

The maritime industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation. The market for maritime artificial intelligence solutions is now valued at more than $4 billion and continues to grow at over 20 percent annually. This growth reflects the increasing demand for tools that enable better decision-making in real time. Extended Vessel Information meets this need by helping organizations reduce uncertainty, improve situational awareness, and respond quickly to emerging risks. In an environment where delays, violations, or missed signals can lead to high costs, access to reliable vessel data is a daily operational requirement. Extended Vessel Information is available now as part of the Gatehouse Maritime product suite. To strengthen your monitoring and protection capabilities, request a demo or speak with our team.

Authored by

Kim Bøjlund
Product Manager, Gatehouse Maritime