Transformational Leadership
2025 AWARD COMMENDATION
In just two years, Trent Fulcher transformed Starboard Maritime Intelligence from a small, government-funded research project into a global platform. Today, it supports decision-makers around the world to protect ecosystems, manage risk and uphold maritime law.
The ocean is one of the hardest places on Earth to monitor. Starboard’s platform fuses multiple data sources with AI to give users a clear, real-time view of vessel activity and risk. The platform helps detect illegal fishing, assess biosecurity threats and coordinate enforcement actions that protect biodiversity. This helps governments and analysts protect their marine environments.
Since taking the helm in 2022, Trent has guided the company through a major shift. His leadership has opened access to real-time maritime intelligence for governments, frontline agencies and partners working to protect people, ecosystems and infrastructure.
Pacific nations and regional partners can now access the same maritime intelligence as their larger counterparts. This helps create more effective patrols, safer operations and faster responses to risk.
By combining design-led thinking, strong ethics and deep user insights, Trent is leading a new model of ocean intelligence. Today, Starboard processes over 35 million vessel positions each day and supports surveillance across more than 20 million square kilometres of ocean.
Trent has been successful in seeking funding for Starboard from values-aligned investors, which signals strong market confidence in his leadership and execution.
The judges said: "Under Trent Fulcher’s leadership, Starboard has become a leading tool for better decision-making at sea - from monitoring illegal fishing to supporting maritime security and environmental protection. His strategic direction is helping to harness data for planetary benefit. A great example of tech being used for good."