In a sector where human error remains the leading cause of maritime accidents, Israeli startup Orca AI is redefining the navigation experience by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to the heart of vessel operations. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, the company offers an intelligent navigation platform that enhances situational awareness and safety for commercial shipping vessels. By integrating high-resolution visual sensors with proprietary AI analytics, Orca AI is setting a new standard in operational awareness one that supports not just modern crews but also the long-term shift toward autonomous shipping.

Maritime navigation has long relied on tools such as radar, AIS, and binoculars. While effective, these methods face limitations in conditions like poor visibility, high traffic, or at night. As shipping lanes grow more congested and regulations demand heightened accountability, the industry requires tools that go beyond conventional methods. This is where Orca AI excels: their systems provide crews with a real-time, automated “second set of eyes” that never tires, offering continuous threat detection and prioritized alerts based on actual navigational risk.

At the core of Orca AI’s platform are two flagship products. SeaPod, an onboard solution, equips ships with a suite of cameras, thermal imaging, and sensors mounted on the bridge. These continuously monitor the vessel’s surroundings and feed data to an onboard AI engine that classifies and ranks nearby objects buoys, ships, obstacles even in zero visibility or harsh weather conditions. On the other side of the platform, FleetView offers office-based fleet managers a powerful analytics dashboard that aggregates operational data, incident reports, and performance trends from across SeaPod-equipped vessels. This two-pronged solution helps bridge the gap between ship and shore, enabling more informed decision-making and tighter compliance with Safety Management Systems (SMS).

Orca AI’s impact is already being felt across the industry. Case studies with leading shipping players underscore its effectiveness. Seaspan, for instance, reported annual fuel savings of $100,000 per vessel after using Orca AI to optimize navigation and reduce unnecessary maneuvers. Maran Tankers saw a 74% reduction in close encounter safety events. Perhaps most notably, in partnership with NYK and The Nippon Foundation, Orca AI powered the world’s first autonomous commercial voyage in congested waters proving the system’s viability in the next generation of shipping.

Founded by Yarden Gross (CEO) and Doron Tal (COO), both of whom bring strong credentials in tech innovation and maritime operations, Orca AI has attracted significant investor interest. To date, the company has raised $72 million, with support from firms like The dock Innovation, OCV Partners, MizMaa Ventures, NYK, and The Nippon Foundation. This financial backing not only underscores market confidence but also positions the company to accelerate development and expand adoption across global fleets.

For seafarers, the benefits of Orca AI are tangible. The system reduces cognitive load, mitigates fatigue, and offers timely alerts that enhance decision-making, especially in high-risk scenarios. For companies, it means fewer incidents, better training data, improved safety metrics, and cost savings fuel, insurance, and downtime. Crucially, the system integrates smoothly with existing equipment, serving as an enhancement rather than a replacement. As the industry edges toward autonomy, platforms like Orca AI will likely become essential infrastructure for semi- and fully-autonomous vessels.

Orca AI’s growing client list includes heavyweights like TMS Cardiff Gas, Marubeni, and Seaspan, with strategic partnerships that strengthen its credibility and reach. Notably, its relationship with NYK, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, goes beyond investment; it’s a live proving ground for autonomous navigation and safety enhancement. Collaborations like these underscore Orca AI’s status as a trusted technology provider with both vision and execution.

Final Thoughts
Orca AI is more than just a tech provider, it is an enabler of a safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime industry. With its intelligent platform and forward-looking approach, the company stands at the crossroads of two of shipping’s most important transformations: digitalization and decarbonization. As regulatory pressures intensify and fleets face increasing operational complexity, Orca AI’s solutions are poised to become indispensable tools in the global push toward safer seas and smarter ships.

References

• Orca AI. (2025). Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.orca-ai.io/
  
• Orca AI. (2024). Company Overview & Use Cases. Retrieved from https://www.orca-ai.io/
  
• The Nippon Foundation. (2023). Supporting the First Autonomous Voyage.
  
• Tracxn. (2024). Funding Rounds & Investors for Orca AI.
  

Contributor : Dyah Ayuning Tyas
Reviewer : Imam Buchari