Lloyds Register recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven navigation technologies tailored for maritime vessels. This study focused on the Orca AI navigation system, a cutting-edge platform that leverages computer vision to enhance situational awareness and assist human operators in complex maritime environments.

Human-Centric Design: Enhancing Operator Support

Stephanie McLay, head of human factors at Lloyds Register, emphasized that the success of AI navigation tools depends not only on their technical capabilities but also on how well they integrate with and support the human crew. “Our workshops highlighted the importance of structured user feedback and human-centered design principles in developing AI systems that are both safe and user-friendly,” she explained.

Driving Innovation Amidst Decarbonization and Autonomy Trends

Dipali Kuchekar, marine and offshore product manager at Lloyds Register, noted that this initiative represents a pivotal step in data-driven evaluation of maritime technologies. “As the shipping industry increasingly focuses on decarbonization and autonomous operations, projects like this underscore our commitment to embracing innovative solutions that align with these evolving priorities,” Kuchekar stated.

Orca AI SeaPod: Advanced Computer Vision for Real-Time Maritime Awareness

The Orca AI SeaPod is a sophisticated sensor system installed atop a ship’s bridge, equipped with both thermal and daylight cameras that provide a full 360-degree panoramic view. This device functions as a digital watchkeeper, continuously identifying, classifying, and estimating distances to nearby objects in real time. Its design targets the detection of low-visibility and close-proximity hazards that traditional radar or AIS systems might miss.

Field Trial: Navigating Challenging Waters with AI Assistance

The trial took place aboard a feeder container vessel navigating an 828-nautical-mile route from Gioia Tauro, Italy, to Marsaxlokk, Malta, with a stopover in Bar, Montenegro. The journey included navigating congested port areas, the narrow Strait of Messina, and open sea conditions, providing a diverse range of operational scenarios to test the system’s capabilities.

Onboard Assessment and Real-Time Feedback

Han Beng Koe, a ship performance expert from Lloyds Register, participated as the onboard assessor. Koe provided immediate insights into the system’s usability and operational effectiveness, benchmarking its performance against established navigation standards. “Observing AI-driven computer vision in action aboard the vessel offered valuable evidence of its potential to revolutionize maritime navigation,” Koe remarked.

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

Dor Raviv, CTO and co-founder of Orca AI, highlighted the practical benefits already realized through AI navigation. “With over 1,200 vessels currently equipped with Orca AI, the technology is proving its worth by enabling earlier and more precise hazard detection, which translates into safer decision-making on the bridge. This trial marks a significant milestone on the path toward widespread AI adoption and autonomous shipping,” Raviv commented.

Integrating Performance Metrics with Human Factors

The evaluation combined quantitative performance data-such as detection accuracy and recall rates-with qualitative feedback from crew members to assess both the technical and ergonomic aspects of the system. Lloyds Register has developed a robust framework for assessing enhanced situational awareness technologies, aiming to guide shipowners, developers, and regulators as AI becomes a standard component of maritime operations.