Customs Agencies Need Maritime Intelligence, Not Trade Data, Windward Says
Global – October 29, 2026 -- Declaration-based trade data cannot identify the vessels customs agencies most need to stop, according to a Windward analysis that points to a UK cocaine seizure worth roughly $100 million at London Gateway as proof.
Trade data records declarations, and enforcement targets the ones that fail
Cargo manifests, customs declarations and import and export filings were built to answer commercial questions, such as crude volumes through Yanbu or dry bulk flows into Rotterdam. Enforcement asks different questions. Which of 15,000 containers arriving at a port in one day holds something undeclared? Which vessel detoured through a sanctioned port?
Windward argues the gap is structural, not a matter of coverage or refresh rate. A vessel running dark leaves no AIS record to check, and one broadcasting manipulated positions leaves a record that looks complete.