Windward Acquires Azimut.ai to Add Maritime Visual Intelligence

Windward, a leading maritime artificial intelligence company, announced the acquisition of Azimut.ai, a maritime visual intelligence firm, with the goal of adding an optical detection layer to its multi-source platform. The deal marks Windward's first step toward shore-based and onboard sensors, expanding its data strategy beyond AIS, satellite imagery, and radio frequency signals.

Azimut.ai's technology enables real-time identification and logging of vessels through cameras installed at ports and strategic maritime chokepoints, making it possible to track ships even when they switch off their signals to avoid detection. Windward explained that not all vessels transmit constantly, and that signals such as AIS or radio frequency can be turned off, blocked by weather, or jammed.

The company will merge visual identifications with the datasets its platform already uses, such as ownership information, sanctions, cargo, and behavioral intelligence, turning a simple sighting into an explainable assessment that government and commercial clients can use in their operational decisions.

Ami Daniel, CEO and co-founder of Windward, noted that for years the company used artificial intelligence to unify every signal from the maritime world into a single operational picture, and that with this acquisition they aim to redraw the boundaries of maritime intelligence by building their own visual intelligence layer. Daniel added that owning these assets directly gives clients an unprecedented level of situational awareness, and that in the age of agentic AI, data is the new oil.

According to Splash 247, in a pilot test conducted at the Port of Ashdod, Azimut.ai's system identified 464 targets and detected vessels at distances of up to 7,000 meters using standard daytime cameras, and was also able to calculate a ship's position, heading, and speed from video alone. Trade News stated that the deal amount was not disclosed and noted that Azimut.ai was founded by veterans of the Israeli navy, just like Windward, which was created in 2010 by Ami Daniel and Matan Peled.

Windward stated that the system is designed to protect privacy and security, as it does not provide clients with raw images or video, and that its aim is to analyze vessel activity rather than identify or verify individuals. The company invited port operators and other maritime industry players to join as site partners to expand the visual intelligence network.