About BigOceanData
BigOceanData is an operational maritime intelligence platform built for professional fleet teams. It brings Vessel Tracking, SSAS, Route Optimisation and Maritime Intelligence into one shared workspace for day-to-day fleet operations, security, voyage planning and investigation.
One platform. Four connected pillars.
Vessel Tracking provides the live fleet picture. SSAS adds security alerts and records in operational context. Route Optimisation supports fuel, cost and ETA decisions. Maritime Intelligence adds port, area and historical analysis. Together they give professional teams one operational workspace.
The BigOceanData story
The technology heritage behind BigOceanData began before AIS was in general use.
Our technology heritage goes back to the mid-1990s, when Inmarsat-based vessel monitoring was used for fisheries and government operations in areas with little or no coastal infrastructure. That requirement for reliable offshore visibility remains part of the platform’s DNA today.
When AIS arrived, most tracking companies started there. We added it. That foundation now carries a much larger platform, spanning route optimisation, operational intelligence and configurable workflows for fleet monitoring, voyage planning, port activity, incident review and historical analysis. BigOceanData processes over 80 million messages every 24 hours across more than 450,000 vessels, serving over 200 organisations worldwide.
In December 2025 the platform, brand and team, previously operated by Globavista Ltd, were acquired by Maritime Cortex, bringing committed capital and a fully invested product team.
Our Journey
From platform launch to global partnerships – how BigOceanData has evolved to meet changing maritime demands.
2016 – Foundation
2016 – BigOceanData platform and brand established.
2018 – Data Expansion
Integrated additional satellite and commercial data sources to increase global coverage.
2020 – Compliance Focus
Enhanced tracking tools to support regulatory monitoring and risk mitigation.
2023 – Partner Network Growth
Expanded reseller programme and international partnerships.
2025 – Acquisition by Maritime Cortex
BigOceanData’s platform, brand and team were acquired by Maritime Cortex Limited, bringing committed capital and continued product investment.
2026 – Platform expansion
BigOceanData added Route Optimisation and sharpened its Maritime Intelligence proposition, strengthening the platform across its four core pillars.
Who we build for
Our primary focus is professional shipowners, operators and managers sharing responsibility for a fleet. BigOceanData is also used across maritime security, ports, fisheries, government and specialist risk operations.
One platform, four pillars
Multi-source vessel visibility with AIS blackspot resilience
ABB-powered route optimisation built into the wider platform
Port, risk and historical intelligence for operational decisions
Shared data foundation, common workflows and one operational picture
A strong product roadmap and continued investment
What defines BigOceanData
Reliable operational visibility. Multiple data sources brought into one picture. Practical support from people who understand the maritime use case. Flexible deployment across direct subscriptions, integrations, SSAS and white-label requirements. Continued investment in the platform and data coverage.
Leadership Team
Meet the team of experienced maritime and technology professionals behind BigOceanData.
Mark Hewish
Managing Director
Mark is Managing Director of BigOceanData, with responsibility for long-term strategy, operational delivery and commercial growth. He combines a strong engineering foundation with broad experience in project delivery and operational management across the defence, maritime and technology sectors. With multi-disciplinary technical expertise and a strong customer focus, Mark works across client relationships, commercial oversight, project execution and team leadership, helping ensure the business delivers successful outcomes while maintaining clear alignment between day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals.
Wail Sabbagh
Commercial Director
Wail is Commercial Director of BigOceanData and founder of Maritime Cortex Limited, the parent company of Big Ocean Data, with responsibility for commercial strategy, market development and growth. He combines deep commercial and technical expertise with broad leadership experience across telecoms, digital platforms and data-led businesses. Having founded Strategic Imperatives and led the business to a successful exit, as well as holding senior roles at Three and Thomson Reuters, Wail brings strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership and a strong customer focus to driving growth and long-term business value.
Simon Newman
Financial Controller
Simon leads finance and administration at BigOceanData, supporting the business across its commercial, operational and organisational activities. With more than twenty years of experience in the vessel tracking and vehicle telematics sectors, he combines strong financial management with a practical, detail-oriented approach to business operations. Working closely with management and the support team, Simon helps ensure the business runs efficiently and consistently, with a strong focus on coordination, continuity and delivering dependable support across the organisation.
Steve Tighe
Software development lead
Steve leads technical development at BigOceanData, overseeing software architecture, platform performance and the ongoing evolution of the company’s core technology. With more than 25 years of experience in software development, he brings deep expertise in real-time systems, geospatial data and maritime technology. Steve combines hands-on engineering with strong technical leadership, working across cloud infrastructure, production systems and application architecture to ensure platforms remain robust, efficient and scalable, while helping teams solve complex technical challenges and deliver reliable software in demanding operational environments.
Careers at BigOceanData
We are a mission-focused company dedicated to building more reliable maritime intelligence in an uncertain world. We combine technological and maritime experience to deliver an AIS platform that works for partners and customers across the world.
Let’s talk about our opportunities
Get in touch and learn how to join the global team at BigOceanData that’s shaping the future of marine intelligence.
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