Ocean Autonomy Cluster strengthens its work on data-driven maritime insight as KAHU becomes its newest member. The company is developing a new layer of ocean visibility by collecting and processing radar data directly from vessels and turning it into a real-time map of maritime activity.

KAHU is developing vessel-borne radar processing, Signal K integration, and vessel-to-cloud data pipelines. Current projects include building a radar-crowdsourcing network with fishing and shipping vessels, developing a prototype platform, and preparing new workstreams aimed at fusing radar data with AIS, EO, and SAR sources to improve maritime situational awareness.

“KAHU is building a fundamentally new way to see what’s happening at sea. We are working to gather radar data from many vessels and to build a more detailed and reliable picture of maritime activity, especially in areas where traditional tracking systems fall short,” says Beata Hranaiova.

The company’s core focus is developing methods to transform radar detections into clearer insights, with the aim of delivering near real-time operational awareness. By processing onboard radar data and working toward merging it with AIS and other sources, KAHU aims to provide clearer visibility of vessel movements – including vessels operating with limited or no AIS. The platform is being developed to support partners in fishing, offshore, and shipping by improving safety, monitoring, and situational awareness in challenging environments.

A membership built on collaboration

KAHU sees its membership in Ocean Autonomy Cluster as a valuable opportunity to connect with organisations working on maritime technology, data, and autonomy.

“We’re eager to collaborate with partners who share our ambitions for better maritime data infrastructure. Through the cluster, we hope to participate in R&D projects, engage in events, and access technical support to accelerate the development of our radar-based platform,” Hranaiova says.

“At the same time, we believe our experience can strengthen the cluster’s innovation ecosystem,” she adds.

Strengthening the cluster’s work on situational awareness

KAHU brings emerging expertise in radar data fusion from multiple vessels and aims to extend this to shore-based radar systems as well. The company is building capabilities to combine radar, AIS, and other data sources to support a more reliable picture of maritime activity.

“We want to contribute to practical solutions that enhance safety and provide better decision-making tools. Our goal is to make the ocean more transparent, for everyone,” Hranaiova says.

With KAHU on board, Ocean Autonomy Cluster gains a member that reinforces the region’s efforts to develop data-driven solutions for autonomous and digital maritime operations.