Ionic has already equipped seven tankers with the Orca AI system. Credit: Orca AI.

Ionic, a Greek shipowner, has announced the adoption of Orca AI’s operational platform across its fleet of eight crude tankers and 11 bulkers to enhance maritime safety and fuel efficiency.

The Athens-based company has already equipped seven tankers with the Orca AI system and plans to extend it to an additional newly delivered tanker and all bulk carriers.

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The Orca AI platform includes the SeaPod digital watchkeeper, which improves situational awareness and the FleetView shoreside application, which enables office-based teams to oversee navigational activities and facilitates real-time decision-making.

This move is in line with Ionic’s commitment to achieving “zero incidents, zero spills”.

Ionic managing director Spyros Vlassopoulos said: “We aim to operate a fleet that not only delivers reliable transport solutions, but also continuous improvement in safety, efficiency and environmental performance.

“The Orca AI platform adds a powerful layer of support for our crews, helping us to mitigate operational risk.”

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Orca AI’s technology uses advanced computer vision and real-time data analytics to help crews detect and classify targets earlier and more accurately, which is crucial in congested waters and low-visibility conditions.

Orca AI CEO and co-founder Yarden Gross said: “Ionic has a strong reputation for quality and safety, and their decision to deploy our platform fleet-wide underlines how forward-looking owners are using AI technology to promote voyage efficiency and reduce risk.”

Recently, Orca AI raised $72.5m in a Series B funding round, led by Brighton Park Capital and supported by Ankona Capital and Hyperlink Ventures, to bolster the company’s efforts to enhance its autonomous shipping solutions.

To date, Orca AI has raised a total of $111m, with previous investments from OCV Partners and Mizmaa Ventures.

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