News / New law in China coincides with massive cut in vessel location data

Vessel location data from China has been greatly reduced, impacting maritime supply chain visibility.

The tracking signal, known as Automatic Identification System (AIS), is used globally by the shipping industry to transmit data on vessel location and identity.

However, China’s new personal information protection law that came into effect this month has reportedly prompted domestic providers to stop sharing AIS data with foreign companies. AIS can be transmitted from coastal networks, satellites and vessel-based sources.

While there has been no official statement from ...