UK-based SaaS firm DetentionTrackr has launched an AI-powered platform designed to centralize and structure maritime detention intelligence, addressing a long-standing operational challenge in global shipping.
Vessel detentions under Port State Control regimes can disrupt trade flows, while related compliance, inspection, and ownership data are often dispersed across multiple regulatory sources. DetentionTrackr’s platform aggregates this information in real time, aiming to provide structured insights to commercial and compliance stakeholders.
According to the company, assembling comparable intelligence manually has traditionally required continuous monitoring of regional regulatory websites, recording inspection outcomes, researching vessel ownership and management structures, mapping beneficial ownership across jurisdictions, and producing contextual reports for internal teams. The process typically demands sustained analyst oversight and dedicated research capacity.
DetentionTrackr states that its AI models were trained over a twelve-month development cycle to replicate and automate this workflow. The system aggregates live regulatory data, enriches detention cases with vessel technical profiles and ownership mapping, and delivers structured intelligence reports through a subscription-based model.
David Holly, Co-Founder and Digital Expert at DetentionTrackr, said that the company’s approach reflects a broader view of applied AI. “When AI is trained within a defined industry workflow over a sustained period, it becomes infrastructure,” he said, adding that contextualized data can reduce reliance on manual research processes.
Thomas Cox, Co-Founder and Maritime Expert, noted that maritime transport accounts for approximately 90% of global trade. “Structured intelligence is essential for operational and compliance decision-making,” he said.
The platform offers real-time monitoring of active Port State Control detentions, vessel inspection histories, ownership and beneficial owner mapping, ship manager identification, and structured search functionality by IMO number, port, owner, or manager. Historical cases are archived for benchmarking and trend analysis, and downloadable reports are available for operational use.
DetentionTrackr’s target users include ship managers, charterers, P&I clubs, technical suppliers, maritime service providers, port agents, and riding squads. The company reports that the platform is now commercially available and that further data integrations and analytical modules are under development.
