Orca AI, a London-based company focused on autonomous maritime navigation, is changing the face of maritime safety. Its pioneering software component, Co-Captain, is blowing the industry’s doors open in the very best way. Founders Yarden Gross and Dor Raviv started the company in 2018. As their multifaceted project continues to develop, their overarching goal is to decrease incidents at sea through innovative data collection and analysis techniques.
Co-Captain uses real-time data from a combination of onboard sensors to evaluate how today’s maritime conditions could affect other vessels in proximity. This smart approach allows the system to recalibrate its expectations depending on the size and design of ships that are in the water nearby. Through this partnership, it advances the safer navigation practices. As of the end of 2023, Orca AI’s platform has already been successfully installed on more than 1,200 vessels across the globe.
With the development of SeaPod and Fleet View, Orca AI began its journey. These deep and rich foundational products allowed us to go much deeper in the development of Co-Captain. The software improves ship efficiency and safety. In this process, the device collects information about the traffic signal’s operation and forwards those insights to the cloud for analysis, allowing for enhanced performance and more dramatic operational benefits.
Yarden Gross, CEO and co-founder of Orca AI, emphasized the importance of interconnectedness among vessels:
“Every ship acts as a node in a larger network, and each node—the vessel itself—has an onboard AI platform. This platform collects data from multiple sensors in real time.”
This networked approach is what allows Co-Captain to deliver critical safety alerts while maintaining the unique identity of each vessel. In order to protect privacy, the system anonymizes data. It can help broadcast critical and current information about GPS interference, extreme weather conditions, or areas of increased traffic congestion, including protecting the reporting vessel’s anonymity.
Seamless integration of Co-Captain with bridge systems will be a major focus moving forward for Orca AI. The company has been integrating the software with Navigational Telex (NAVTEX). They’re adding it to Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) platforms. This integration aims to make communication easier for mariners by consolidating all relevant alerts and updates in one central location.
Gross further illustrated the functionality of Co-Captain, likening it to familiar navigation applications used by drivers:
“Co-Captain is a network of vessels using Orca to capture events worldwide and share insights. Think of it like the navigation app you use in your car: it tells you about traffic or roadblocks in advance so you can adjust your route.”
Orca AI is a go-to company for maritime innovation and maritime firsts. Central to its mission is the MARAD’s robust commitment to improving ship safety and performance. The company aims to create a safer maritime environment globally, utilizing cutting-edge technology to anticipate challenges and enhance operational efficiency.