At the Advancing the Blue Economy with Earth Observation webinar on 26 February 2026, AI4COPSEC partner Roberto Pierdicca from the Università Politecnica delle Marche presented the AI4COPSEC project as a concrete example of how Artificial Intelligence and Earth Observation (EO) can enhance maritime surveillance. He outlined the AI4COPSEC’s use of multi-sensor data fusion combining SAR imagery, AIS data, and IoT sources together with self-supervised AI to detect illegal fishing, monitor oil spills, and strengthen border surveillance.
Pierdicca also emphasised that AI4COPSEC transforms large volumes of satellite and maritime data into actionable intelligence by identifying anomalous vessel behaviour, including non-cooperative or non-AIS vessels. In doing so, the project directly supports safer, more secure, and environmentally responsible maritime operations, aligning closely with Blue Economy priorities.
The webinar, organised by MSE International under the EO4MI project, brought together over 40 delegates from 17 countries across satellite agencies, maritime operators, research, government, and industry. Discussions focused on how EO technologies can improve metocean forecasting, marine ecosystem management, and seabed asset protection. Speakers highlighted advances in Copernicus missions, AI-enabled analytics, satellite-enhanced metocean services, and autonomous marine platforms. A recurring theme was the importance of integrating satellite data with in situ and autonomous systems to deliver operational impact.
The event concluded with a commitment to forming multi-stakeholder consortia and developing demonstrator pilots aligned with ESA and Horizon Europe funding pathways, reinforcing EO’s growing role in advancing a resilient and sustainable Blue Economy.
