Orca AI has announced it has closed an investment of $72.5 million in Series B funding to further its autonomous platform, add new capabilities and enter new categories, including defence and security.
Brighton Park Capital led the round with participation from existing investors Ankona Capital and Hyperlink Ventures.
The funding is also expected to strengthen the company’s position as the market leader in autonomous shipping. The completion of this round brings Orca AI’s total funding raised to $111 million, with OCV Partners and Mizmaa Ventures also participating in previous rounds.
Orca AI’s technology reportedly delivers significant improvements in operational decision-making and voyage safety. A 2024 analysis of Orca AI’s alerts system showed a 54 per cent reduction in close encounter events, which improved overall safety and reduced associated accelerations.
In turn, this led to an average of $100,000 savings in fuel per vessel per year, translating to a total estimated reduction of 195,000 tonnes in CO2 emissions in 2024.
“At Orca AI, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible when AI supports human decision-making at sea,” said Yarden Gross, CEO and Co-Founder of Orca AI.
“Over the past two years, ships have become increasingly connected to the cloud, enabling large-scale data collection and unlocking the potential of AI. Orca AI is leading this transformation, deploying advanced AI technologies that make vessels smarter, safer, and more automated.
“We are grateful to have forward-thinking investors who, like us, can see how the advancements in AI and connectivity are opening up new opportunities to enhance autonomous shipping, which will define the future of maritime operations.”
READ: NorthStandard, Orca AI work on automated maritime safety solutions
“By combining innovation and deep maritime industry expertise, Orca AI is setting a new standard for the shipping industry, driving remarkable advancements to dramatically improve nautical safety and operations, while charting the course towards autonomous shipping,” said Ezra Berman, Vice President at Brighton Park Capital.
Earlier this March, Orca AI announced a major milestone as Seaspan Corporation deployed its SeaPod digital watchkeeper solution across its entire fleet.
