Windward, a maritime artificial intelligence company, announced on Nov. 3, 2026, that it has acquired Azimut.ai. Azimut.ai is a maritime visual intelligence company. The news was announced from London and Washington.
The deal adds an optical sensing layer to Windward’s platform. It is the company’s first move into ground-based and ship-based sensors. The announcement did not include financial terms.
The new layer identifies and fingerprints vessels in real time at maritime chokepoints and ports. According to Windward, this allows vessels to be seen even when they “go dark” to evade detection.
Why Windward Is Adding Cameras
Windward said today’s maritime picture relies on several data sources. These include AIS, satellite imagery, and radio frequency (RF) signals. AIS is a tracking system ships use to broadcast their position.
The company said not every vessel transmits these signals. Some signals depend on cooperation or outside conditions. They can be switched off, blocked by weather, or jammed.
Through the Azimut.ai deal, Windward plans to expand into a proprietary sensor and visual proof layer. This includes placing cameras at key thoroughfares and maritime chokepoints.
Windward will combine these visual sightings with data already on its platform. That data covers ownership, sanctions, cargo, vessel behavior, and several risk layers. The company said this turns a single sighting into an explainable assessment that customers can act on.
Its customers include government agencies and commercial businesses. Windward said the combined data is meant to support their decisions about activity at sea.
The company said the system was designed from the start for privacy and security. Customers will not receive raw images or video footage. Windward said the tool supports analysis of vessel activity, not the identification or verification of individuals.
Ami Daniel, CEO and co-founder of Windward, said the company has used AI for years to unify maritime signals into one operational view. “Now we are redrawing the boundaries of maritime intelligence,” he said.
Daniel said acquiring Azimut is the first step in building a proprietary visual intelligence layer. He said owning these assets outright gives customers a level of awareness and preparedness that no one else can match.
“In the age of Agentic AI, data is the new oil,” Daniel said. He added that the deal will give customers access to the most refined, accurate, and relevant dataset for maritime decision making.
How the Platform Is Built
Windward said the acquisition reflects the three layers of its platform. The base layer is large multi-source datasets that feed one operational and intelligence picture.
The second layer is Windward’s Maritime AI. It handles behavioral pattern recognition, vessel verification, and anomaly detection. These tools turn raw data into findings customers can use.
The third layer is partnership. Windward said it designs each capability around the operational needs of its customers.
Windward serves defense and intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and commercial leaders. It combines AIS data, remote sensing signals, its own AI models, and generative AI. The company also offers professional services to build custom agentic solutions.
Windward is now seeking partners to host its new sensors. Daniel invited maritime stakeholders and anyone interested in safer, more secure oceans to contact the company. He asked them to become site partners.
