Anglo-Eastern and Orca AI partner to roll out AI-assisted navigation across 750 vessels
Anglo-Eastern Ship Management has entered a strategic partnership with Orca AI to support the installation of Orca AI's maritime operations platform across its managed fleet. This is the first time a major ship manager has formally committed to broad deployment of AI-driven situational awareness capabilities. The move signals growing demand for safety tech that scales across multi-client fleets.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Anglo-Eastern manages more than 750 vessels under full technical management. For Orca AI, this marks its first strategic partnership with a ship management company, expanding beyond shipowners and operators.
What's being deployed
- SeaPod digital watchkeeper: AI-assisted watchkeeping that strengthens situational awareness in congested waters and low-visibility conditions. It provides timely alerts and recommendations to reduce bridge workload during critical moments.
- FleetView: Shoreside monitoring for office teams, turning live and historical data into actionable insights on risk, near-misses, speed profiles, and fuel outcomes.
Anglo-Eastern will integrate these tools into its customer offering, reinforcing its focus on safety and operational performance across a diverse fleet.
Leaders' perspective
Torbjorn Dimblad, CIO at Anglo-Eastern, said the platform adds an extra safety layer in critical navigation scenarios while easing crew workload and improving efficiency. He noted that a varied shipowner base continues to drive adoption of practical technology across the fleet.
Yarden Gross, Co-founder and CEO of Orca AI, called the agreement a strong endorsement and a signal that AI will be central to safe, efficient, and sustainable ship operations.
Why this matters for management
- Risk reduction: Earlier detection in close-quarters situations, fewer incidents, and stronger post-voyage reviews backed by data.
- Efficiency: Better speed and route decisions that can lower fuel consumption and emissions.
- Scale: Standardized bridge support and shoreside visibility across a 750-vessel, multi-client portfolio.
- People: Augmented tools that support crew upskilling and appeal to new talent.
Execution checklist for operators and owners
- Integration: Map data flows with ECDIS, ARPA radar, AIS, and onboard networks; verify sensor alignment and camera placement.
- Procedures: Update bridge resource management, alert response, and master's override rules. Align vessel SMS and standing orders.
- Training: Run scenario-based drills for alerts, false positives, and handover between human and system during busy approaches and low visibility.
- Governance: Define data ownership, privacy, shoreside access, and incident review processes across clients.
- KPIs: Track near-miss rate, CPA/TCPA breaches, alert response times, fuel per ton-mile, and port delays.
Industry context
AI-assisted watchkeeping must align with international rules and bridge practices. Managers should ensure procedures and training are consistent with COLREGs and vessel SMS requirements.
What to watch next
- Rollout pace and coverage by segment (bulk, tanker, container).
- Published results on safety metrics, near-misses, and fuel savings from pilots to full fleet deployment.
- Charterer and insurer responses, including potential incentives tied to measured risk reduction.
Upskilling for office and vessel teams
If you're planning an AI adoption roadmap, invest in targeted training for managers, superintendents, and crews. Practical learning paths help standardize how teams evaluate tools, interpret alerts, and act on data.
Orca AI's platform is already in use across leading shipping companies to improve navigational safety, cut fuel use, and lower emissions. With this partnership, those benefits are set to scale across one of the industry's largest managed fleets.
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