MastChain and MonsPro Announce Strategic Partnership to Launch MastNode AIS Receiver for DePIN Maritime Data Networks

MastChain expands decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) with professional-grade AIS hardware purpose-built for global maritime data collection

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 the MastNode AIS Receiver, a professional, plug-and-play AIS device purpose-built for the MastChain network (www.mastnode.com).

This collaboration marks a major milestone in MastChain's mission to build a scalable, secure, and commercially viable decentralized maritime 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're removing friction for contributors while delivering the level of reliability, security, and data quality that commercial maritime data buyers expect".

Introducing the MastNode AIS Receiver

The MastNode is a next-generation Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver designed from the ground up specifically for decentralized infrastructure networks (DePIN). Unlike DIY or hobbyist hardware, MastNode is engineered for high-performance, continuous operation, cryptographic security, and enterprise-grade data quality.
Over the past six months, MastChain and MonsPro conducted extensive real-world field testing. Results showed that MastNode outperformed DIY AIS stations by up to 60%, using the same antenna and installation location.

Why MastChain Is Building Dedicated DePIN Hardware

MastChain's early community played a critical role in bootstrapping the network through DIY AIS stations. However, feedback from contributors highlighted common challenges:

- Complex setup and onboarding

- Hardware instability and maintenance overhead

- Difficulty maintaining consistent 24/7 uptime

To scale a global DePIN network and meet the requirements of commercial maritime data buyers, MastChain identified the need to eliminate onboarding friction and standardize data quality across the network.

The MastNode directly addresses these challenges.

Key Features of the MastNode AIS Receiver

- Plug-and-Play Deployment
Simple onboarding allows contributors to start collecting and transmitting AIS data within minutes.

- Professional-Grade Performance
A custom-built chipset optimized specifically for AIS signal capture and decoding.

- Hardware-Level Security
Each MastNode has a unique cryptographic hardware identity, ensuring data authenticity and network integrity.

- Industrial Reliability
Designed for long-term, continuous operation in demanding maritime and coastal environments.

Updates to DIY Onboarding Ahead of Mainnet

As MastChain prepares for its upcoming mainnet launch, onboarding requirements will be updated to ensure consistent, high-quality maritime data across the network.

After Mainnet Launch:
New contributors will require a MastNode device to join the network

Existing contributors with DIY stations are fully grandfathered in and may continue operating without changes

This transition reflects the expectations of enterprise maritime data buyers, who require:

- Precise, tamper-proof timestamps

- Verified device identity

- Consistent uptime and coverage

Standardized MastNode hardware enables MastChain to meet these industrial 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 establish an international distribution network. MastNode devices will be available directly from MonsPro and through selected regional partners worldwide.

This launch represents a significant step forward for DePIN infrastructure in maritime intelligence, reinforcing MastChain's position as a leading decentralized alternative to traditional AIS data providers.

About Mastchain

MastChain is rebuilding this foundation as a decentralized network where anyone can contribute coverage, earn tokens and take part in a new global data economy. Our mission is to bring the world's oceans onto an open, permission-less layer powered by DePIN. (www.mastchain.io)

Owen Taylor
Mastchain
Frederiksgade 6
Copenhagen, 1265
Denmark

MastChain is rebuilding this foundation as a decentralized network where anyone can contribute coverage, earn tokens and take part in a new global data economy. Our mission is to bring the world's oceans onto an open, permission-less layer powered by DePIN. (www.mastchain.io)

This release was published on openPR.