water

Global Offshore Infrastructure Detection (2017-2021)

Dataset

2016 - 2021

Global Fishing Watch • offshore • infrastructure • oil platform • wind turbines • maritime

The Global Offshore Infrastructure Detection (2017–2021) dataset presents monthly detections of fixed offshore structures using deep learning applied to satellite imagery. It provides global coverage of oil platforms, wind turbines, and other installations with confidence classifications.

More information

Using Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 optical imagery, the dataset identifies structures via six-month composites and classifies them with high, medium, or low confidence. Deep learning models achieved over 97% accuracy in object detection and classification.

Covering over 15% of the ocean, the analysis processed 67 million image tiles and integrated 53 billion AIS GPS positions to cross-reference vessel presence. The resolution supports detection of most structures larger than 15 meters.

This dataset supports the 2024 Nature paper “Satellite mapping reveals extensive industrial activity at sea” and offers critical insights into global offshore industrial activity.

Distributed by

waterHUB Ocean API

API

Spatial Extent

Global

Provided by

Global Fishing Watch

Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization that uses satellite technology and machine learning to map and monitor global fishing activity in near real-time. By promoting transparency in ocean governance, it helps governments, researchers, and the public combat illegal fishing and support sustainable fisheries management.