MastChain Expands Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN) with Professional AIS Devices Specifically Designed to Collect Global Marine Data
COPENHAGEN, 30/01/26 – MastChain, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) focused on ship tracking data, today announced a strategic partnership with MonsPro to launch MastNode AIS Rescue, a plug-and-play professional AIS device specifically designed for the MastChain network (www.mastnode.com).
This collaboration represents a major milestone in MastChain’s mission to build a scalable, secure, and commercially viable decentralized marine data network, capable of competing with traditional centralized AIS data providers.
“DePIN only works if the data is good enough to be used in the real world,” said Owen Taylor, co-founder of MastChain. “With MastNode, we remove friction for stakeholders while delivering the level of reliability, security and data quality that buyers of commercial marine data have come to expect.”
Introducing the MastNode AIS Receiver
MastNode is a next-generation Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver designed from the ground up specifically for Decentralized Infrastructure (DePIN) networks. Unlike DIY or hobbyist hardware, MastNode is designed for high performance, continuous operation, cryptographic security, and enterprise-grade data quality.
Over the past six months, MastChain and MonsPro have conducted extensive real-world field testing. The results showed that MastNode outperformed DIY AIS stations by up to 60%, using the same antenna and installation location.
Why MastChain builds custom DePIN devices
The early MastChain community played a crucial role in bootstrapping the network through DIY AIS terminals. However, shareholder feedback highlighted common challenges:
– Complex preparation and qualification
– Equipment instability and maintenance expenses
– Difficulty maintaining consistent uptime 24/7
To scale the global DePIN network and meet the demands of commercial marine data buyers, MastChain identified the need to eliminate onboard friction and standardize data quality across the network.
MastNode addresses these challenges head-on.
Key Features of MastNode AIS Receiver
– Plug and play deployment
Simple setup allows contributors to start collecting and transferring AIS data within minutes.
– Professional performance
A specially designed and optimized chipset to capture and decode the AIS signal.
– Security at the hardware level
Each MastNode has a unique cryptographic device identity, ensuring data authenticity and network integrity.
– Industrial reliability
Designed for long-term continuous operation in challenging marine and coastal environments.
Updates on DIY Onboarding before the mainnet
As MastChain prepares to launch its next mainnet, setup requirements will be updated to ensure consistent, high-quality marine data across the network.
After mainnet launch:
New contributors will need a MastNode to join the network
Current contributors to DIY stations are completely grandfathered and may continue to operate without changes
This shift reflects the expectations of enterprise maritime data buyers, who need to:
– Accurate and tamper-proof timestamps
– Verified device identity
– Uptime and coverage are consistent
Unified MastNode hardware enables MastChain to meet these industry data standards while preserving the contributions of early community members.
What’s next for MastChain and the DePIN ecosystem
MastChain and MonsPro are currently working with global DePIN hardware distributors to create an international distribution network. MastNode devices will be available directly from MonsPro and through select regional partners around the world.
This launch represents a significant step forward for DePIN infrastructure in the maritime intelligence space, strengthening MastChain’s position as a leading decentralized alternative to traditional AIS data providers.
About Machin
MastChain is rebuilding this foundation as a decentralized network where anyone can contribute to coverage, earn tokens, and participate in the new global data economy. Our mission is to put the world’s oceans into an open, permissionless layer powered by DePIN. (www.mastchain.io)
Owen Taylor
Maschin series
Frederiksgade 6
Copenhagen, 1265
Denmark
MastChain is rebuilding this foundation as a decentralized network where anyone can contribute to coverage, earn tokens, and participate in the new global data economy. Our mission is to put the world’s oceans into an open, permissionless layer powered by DePIN. (www.mastchain.io)
This version is published on openPR.
