I have many questions in regards to AIS Network operators:
Which companies actually own and operate the AIS Receivers around the world (both satellite and terrestrial)? What is the market structure here? Are few large companies own the majority of the global network (if so, who are they?) or are there many small networks that make up the market?
Do different vessel tracking apps/websites use the same AIS data from the same antenna operators? Do larger, better known ones operate their own networks?
Thanks a lot,
Aydin
Spire and Orbcomm are two key satellite AIS providers. Terrestrial AIS data is collected, aggregated, processed and shared through multiple local and international players.
One such company is vessel tracker - About vesseltracker - vesseltracker.com - which collects terrestrial AIS from private antenna owners.
Hi @aydin-mammadov ,
You’re right, there are a few large companies that dominate the AIS market, but there are also many smaller networks that contribute to the overall system.
Major satellite AIS providers include Spire and Orbcomm, as @ali-gara mentioned. They operate a global network of satellites that collect and transmit AIS data from ships around the world.
Terrestrial AIS is a more decentralized system, with numerous local and international players involved in collecting and sharing data. As @ali-gara pointed out, VesselTracker is one such company that aggregates terrestrial AIS data from various private antenna owners.
Other well-known companies in the AIS data market include MarineTraffic and FleetMon. These companies not only collect data from their own networks of antennas but also aggregate data from other sources to provide comprehensive vessel tracking services.
Most vessel tracking apps and websites, regardless of their size, rely on AIS data from these shared networks of antenna operators. Some larger and more established companies may operate their own networks, but it’s common for them to utilize data from other providers as well to ensure complete coverage and accuracy.
I hope this helps clarify the market structure for AIS network operators!