Orca AI has introduced Co-Captain, a new functionality integrated into its operational platform, enabling vessels to share and receive real-time navigational data.
The rollout connects a network of over 1,000 ships equipped with Orca AI's systems, with more expected to join.
It allows vessels to disseminate verified alerts related to route hazards, weather conditions, regulatory requirements, and other operational risks.
Vessels using the platform act as both data contributors and recipients.
Ships detect high-risk targets such as non-automatic identification system (AIS) fishing boats, small craft, and navigational obstacles, and upload this information to the cloud, where it is processed and distributed as relevant alerts.
These notifications are sent to vessels on intersecting routes, enabling timely updates to navigation plans including speed adjustments or additional personnel on watch.
Co-Captain leverages Orca AI’s computer vision technology to combine data from onboard sensors with external feeds such as live weather information, vessel traffic reports, and local regulations.
This process delivers a consolidated operational picture to each vessel, including notifications for congested waters, severe weather events, and satellite navigation interference detected by other networked ships.
It also provides alerts for piracy zone entry, environmental compliance considerations such as whale sightings or emission-control requirements, and temporary navigational restrictions.
Orca AI has indicated that Co-Captain provides route-specific alerts tailored to each vessel's operational context.
The company noted that sharing data across the network may help operators reduce delays and optimise fuel consumption by supporting earlier identification of potential disruptions.
All collected data contributes to an expanding dataset, which Orca AI uses to enhance detection accuracy and predictive capabilities within the system.
Orca AI CEO and co-founder Yarden Gross said: “Every addition to the fleet strengthens that shared awareness, enhancing how ships anticipate risk and support one another.
“Given that 90% of world trade goes by sea, this kind of collaborative navigation is no longer optional – it’s a safety, environmental and security imperative.”
To date, Orca AI reported that its network has accumulated data covering more than 100 million nautical miles.
In May this year, Orca AI announced the successful completion of a $72.5m Series B funding round to advance its autonomous shipping solutions.
With this investment, Orca AI’s total funding now stands at $111m, following previous backing from OCV Partners and Mizmaa Ventures.
