Presight and Quartermaster Advance Maritime AI Cooperation
Abu Dhabi-based AI company Presight has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US maritime technology company Quartermaster to explore AI-powered maritime intelligence and security solutions.
Announced on 5 November 2026 at the ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, the agreement sets out a framework to combine maritime sensing technology with artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics.
The collaboration aims to improve maritime domain awareness, strengthen vessel tracking and support the protection of critical infrastructure. The companies will also examine how AI can turn information collected across maritime environments into actionable intelligence.
The initial focus will be the United Arab Emirates. However, both companies intend to explore opportunities in other international markets as the partnership develops.
Combining Maritime Sensors With Artificial Intelligence
The proposed collaboration will integrate Quartermaster’s SmartMast technology with Presight’s AI and analytics platforms.
SmartMast transforms existing commercial vessels into nodes within a distributed maritime sensing network. The system also uses optical, infrared, and radio-frequency sensors alongside edge AI to capture and analyse maritime activity.
This approach allows commercial vessels to contribute information about surrounding maritime environments while operating along established shipping routes and offshore energy areas.
Presight will bring its expertise in advanced analytics, computer vision and mission-critical intelligence platforms. Consequently, the companies aim to develop capabilities that can process distributed sensor information and identify patterns across complex maritime environments.
The proposed applications include:
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Vessel tracking and maritime activity monitoring.
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Detection of unusual vessel movements and potential anomalies.
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Earlier identification of possible maritime security threats.
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Monitoring and protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
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Improved operational intelligence for maritime authorities and port operators.
The partnership will also explore how these capabilities can help organisations make better-informed decisions across large maritime areas.
UAE Maritime Security and Infrastructure Protection
The agreement comes as maritime authorities and infrastructure operators seek better visibility across shipping routes, ports and offshore energy facilities.
Conventional monitoring systems rely on several sources, including coastal radar, satellite imagery and vessel identification data. However, these systems can leave gaps in maritime visibility, particularly across large and remote areas.
By comparison, distributed sensing could provide additional observations from commercial vessels already operating at sea. When combined with AI analytics, this information could help operators identify unusual activity and assess potential risks more effectively.
Neil Sobin, CEO of Quartermaster, said the partnership would connect the company’s distributed sensing network with Presight’s AI capabilities. He highlighted the potential to turn maritime data into actionable intelligence across major trade routes and offshore energy projects.
Dr Adel Alsharji, Presight’s Chief Operating Officer, said the collaboration brings together maritime sensing technology and advanced analytics. He also emphasised the importance of improving situational awareness and protecting critical maritime infrastructure.
Importantly, the MoU establishes an exploratory framework. Neither company has announced a confirmed deployment schedule, financial terms or operational performance targets.
The initial focus on the UAE provides a starting point for developing potential solutions. As the collaboration matures, the companies intend to explore international opportunities.
Through this agreement, Presight and Quartermaster aim to connect distributed maritime intelligence with AI-powered decision-making, supporting maritime security, operational readiness and infrastructure resilience.
