A report published by startup Orca AI on Tuesday revealed AI's potential impact on the shipping industry. By automating certain tasks, it claims that AI can help reduce deviations on shipping routes and prevent collisions between ships, making the industry more efficient and ecologically friendly.

The startup primarily sells AI products to synthesise real-time information about shipping conditions and recommend more efficient transportation. Much of this data is collected from an AI awareness system that can recognise vessels, buoys and marine life in real-time, making close interactions safer. 

Why does it matter?

The report stated that 47 million tonnes of carbon emissions could be avoided by making shipping more efficient. That would represent a 5% reduction in emissions when compared to the 858 million tonnes of emissions in 2022 estimated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Such a reduction would fall into the International Maritime Organization's aim to cut shipping emissions by 20% by 2030. Orca AI's awareness system could also help prevent collisions with whales, making coexistence between ships and wildlife easier. 

With Orca AI reporting that an average vessel could save up to$100,000 in fuel costs, this kind of technology would reunite economic and ecological interests for the same goal.