Strickland boosts vessel security with MariTrace tech
Strickland Services Limited, a Nigerian-owned offshore logistics and maritime security provider, has partnered with MariTrace, a global maritime intelligence leader, to deploy advanced tracking technology across its fleet.
The collaboration centres on integrating Mercury, MariTrace’s encrypted tracking solution, into 10 Strickland logistics support vessels operating in volatile maritime zones.
With more than 25 years of experience navigating some of the world’s most dangerous waters, including the Gulf of Guinea, Strickland provides security, escort and subsea support for blue-chip energy clients such as Shell, ExxonMobil and Total.
The need for uninterrupted positional data and robust situational awareness has never been greater, particularly amid increasing threats of piracy and geopolitical instability in key offshore zones.
Temidayo Amure, ICT Coordinator at Strickland Services, stated, “This partnership with MariTrace is about leadership, accountability and delivering the highest levels of safety for our clients.
“Mercury gives us real-time, secure tracking of our operations demand, especially in regions where AIS coverage is unreliable or non-existent.”
Introducing Mercury: resilient, encrypted vessel tracking
Mercury, launched by MariTrace in 2024, is a discreet plug-and-play tracking device that ensures continuous location reporting even in AIS black spots.
The system automatically detects connectivity loss, stores data locally and synchronises with the MariTrace interface once the connection is restored.
It guarantees uninterrupted insight into vessel movements, significantly boosting maritime domain awareness and operational oversight.
“Strickland Services operate in some of the world’s highest-risk territories, where traditional tracking systems are simply not reliable enough,” says Thomas Owen, CEO of MariTrace. “Mercury provides the very best peace of mind—ensuring operational continuity, responsive coordination and enhanced crew safety.”
Mercury’s technology is purpose-built to meet the demands of modern maritime logistics and security operations.
With real-time updates at one-minute intervals and seamless integration with onboard GPS and AIS via NMEA 0183/2000, the system delivers highly granular data to MariTrace’s secure platform or API, available only to authorised personnel.
Greater visibility, even when AIS fails
A key differentiator of Mercury is its ability to function where AIS coverage is absent, such as in piracy-prone zones or remote offshore fields.
By capturing and storing AIS data onboard and syncing it to the MariTrace interface, operators gain an accurate, real-time picture of vessel location and nearby traffic, even in blackout zones.
For added flexibility, Mercury allows position sharing between users, enabling third-party operators or clients already using MariTrace to view real-time data during joint operations. The transparency adds another layer of collaborative security in sensitive operations.
Empowering strategic decision-making
Beyond live tracking, Mercury grants Strickland access to a suite of maritime intelligence tools on the MariTrace platform. They include route risk analysis, geofencing alerts, real-time incident reporting and historical data archives dating back to 2015.
Together, these capabilities support faster responses, regulatory compliance and better-informed strategic decisions.
The deployment strengthens Strickland’s reputation as a trusted maritime security partner for oil and gas majors operating in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
A new standard in maritime security collaboration
As global shipping routes face evolving threats and regulatory pressures, telecommunications and logistics operators are increasingly investing in data-rich, intelligence-led technologies.
For telcos with maritime assets, the ability to protect subsea cable projects, offshore infrastructure and vessels is becoming a core operational requirement.
With the rollout of Mercury across its fleet, Strickland demonstrates a clear commitment to technological leadership in fleet security.
“Combining Strickland’s field expertise with MariTrace’s intelligence capabilities sets a new benchmark for secure offshore logistics,” adds Thomas. “It’s a model of how the telecommunications and energy sectors can enhance resilience through innovation.”
Meeting the demands of modern maritime connectivity
For telecom operators laying subsea cables or supporting offshore networks, the need for secure, uninterrupted marine tracking is paramount.
The MariTrace-Strickland partnership demonstrates how advanced maritime technology can deliver reliable performance, even in the most challenging environments, supporting the infrastructure that enables global digital connectivity.
As risks grow and customer expectations rise, partnerships like this reflect an industry-wide shift towards smarter, more proactive security frameworks in high-stakes marine environments.
