ZeroNorth has launched Propel, an agentic AI system designed to automate repetitive voyage planning tasks in maritime operations. Early access begins today with Cargill, Ultrabulk, and CMB.TECH, as the platform addresses the growing manual workload that strains fleet coordinators managing volatile fuel markets and shifting regulations.
How the voyage optimisation agent works
The initial agent handles routine voyage optimisation duties that operators previously managed by hand. It generates voyage plans, coordinates messaging with ship masters, absorbs route feedback, and updates schedules in real time. Operators remain in the decision loop while the system tracks weather shifts and port delays around the clock.
ZeroNorth's internal services team validated the tool over three months before opening early access to launch partners. The rollout already cuts several hours of daily coordination across multiple organisations. Tracking these efficiency gains aligns with broader AI for Operations initiatives focused on reducing manual data entry.
Expanding the agentic workflow
ZeroNorth will release additional agents on a rolling schedule rather than waiting for a single product launch. Each new capability undergoes testing with partner fleets across different shipping segments to ensure it functions under actual operating conditions. "Our ambition with Propel is to help change the way shipping works by changing what technology can do inside maritime operations," said Søren Andersen, chief executive of ZeroNorth. "There is immense potential to move towards operations that are more connected, continuous and precise, where technology takes on more of the coordination work and people can focus their judgement where it creates the greatest value."
Why this matters for operations professionals
Commercial availability for the full suite targets late 2026. Integrating these systems requires a shift toward AI Agents & Automation workflows that prioritize execution over passive reporting. Fleet coordinators can redirect hours spent on manual data reconciliation toward exception handling and route strategy adjustments. "At Ultrabulk, we have seen that technology delivers when it is grounded in real operations," said Oskar Fabricius, chief financial officer at Ultrabulk. "The potential for AI that can take action - not just surface insights - is significant, and as a partner since ZeroNorth's earliest days, we are glad to be at the front of shaping what that looks like in practice."
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