BigBear.ai and AD Ports Partner on AI-Powered Customs and Border Systems

BigBear.ai and AD Ports Group announced a strategic partnership on January 30, 2026 to develop next-generation AI-driven customs and border management systems — targeting the fundamental infrastructure that processes 70% of global commerce by value moving through seaports. The collaboration brings together BigBear.ai's national security AI expertise with Maqta Technologies, AD Ports' digital arm, to co-develop platforms helping authorities and port operators process growing cargo and passenger volumes with greater speed and accuracy. Commercial maritime impact: For shipowners and ship managers, port efficiency directly defines schedule reliability, cost control, and risk exposure. Delays at ports of entry translate into higher operating costs and commercial uncertainty that ripple through charter party obligations and cargo commitments. AI-powered customs processing promises faster clearance, better risk targeting, and more predictable port operations that could reduce friction across entire trading routes. BigBear.ai CEO Kevin McAleenan emphasized the partnership combines "extensive domain expertise in AI and customs with AD Ports Group's global leadership in ports management" — positioning the collaboration to help governments pursue twin objectives of increasing collections and enhancing security. AD Ports Group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi described the partnership as "a significant step in advancing our AI-driven digital trade and customs solutions." This announcement follows AD Ports' December 2025 Guinness World Record for deploying 205 AI agents across global logistics operations — demonstrating the UAE port operator's systematic commitment to AI implementation beyond pilot programs. For ship managers, the evolution of AI-powered customs systems represents a critical component of how fleets will be managed in an increasingly regulated and security-conscious world. [Digital Ship]

This story is part of the Maritime AI Digest of 1 February 2026.