Integration of fibre-optic sensing and AI-powered maritime intelligence sets a new standard for infrastructure security
Wellington, New Zealand / Stavanger, Norway - 5 August 2025
Tampnet, the world’s largest offshore high-capacity communications network operator, and Starboard Maritime Intelligence, the leader in real-time maritime domain awareness, have announced a strategic partnership to improve the protection of subsea cables and offshore energy assets.
By combining Tampnet's advanced fibre-optic sensing capabilities with Starboard's AI-powered intelligence platform, the partnership will give operators unprecedented visibility of vessel activity both above and below the surface. The real-time integration of Tampnet's Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and State of Polarization (SoP) data into Starboard's platform will enhance the ability to detect and respond to threats in real time.
"Our industry is shifting from monitoring to proactive protection", said Trent Fulcher, CEO of Starboard Maritime Intelligence. "By integrating Tampnet's sensing infrastructure with Starboard's global maritime intelligence, we're setting a new benchmark for subsea cable resilience."
Together, the companies will develop a live, interactive threat map that merges ship position data with subsea sensor feeds. The joint R&D program will focus on optimising DAS and SoP interpretation to improve early detection of both accidental and intentional threats.
"Tampnet's role is to lead from the front when it comes to offshore safety and performance," said Elie Hanna, CEO of Tampnet. "By working with Starboard, we're moving towards smarter, more proactive protection of the infrastructure that powers offshore connectivity."
Technology trials and results from the partnership will be shared publicly later in 2025. Both companies expect the collaboration to accelerate industry adoption of fibre-based subsea sensing as a core element of maritime security, submarine assets protection and operational resilience.
About Tampnet
Tampnet provide first-class, high-capacity connectivity to the global offshore energy sector, enabling digitalization, efficiency and sustainability. By operating the world's largest offshore network, Tampnet delivers reliable and scalable high-capacity, low-latency connectivity solutions that support safer, smarter and more sustainable operations from site to shore. Through continuous innovation and focus on reduction of carbon footprint, Tampnet revolutionises offshore operations, contributing to a more sustainable energy production landscape. The company operates offshore telecom infrastructure in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America), where a large number of mobile rigs and vessels receive high-speed data communication by Tampnet.
About Starboard Maritime Intelligence
Starboard Maritime Intelligence is the trusted intelligence provider for governments, defence agencies, and commercial infrastructure providers worldwide. Our sovereign-friendly platform fuses satellite, sensor, and contextual data with proprietary AI to deliver real-time maritime insight. From protecting subsea infrastructure to enabling mission-critical decisions in defence and trade, Starboard transforms how governments and industry prevent threats at sea. Headquartered in Acotearoa New Zealand with a growing global footprint, we exist to illuminate the ocean and enable security where it matters the most.
For further information, please contact:
Tampnet
Anders Tysdal
CTO Infrastructure
at@tampnet.com
Starboard Maritime Intelligence
Amy Minty
Senior Product Marketing Manager
amy.minty@starboardintelligence.nz
