The voice of IT Leadership in the commercial maritime industry
Editor’s Note
Operational risk, rising fuel costs and tightening regulation continue to test shipowners across daily operations. Digital systems and data-led tools are being applied to improve decision-making on the bridge, strengthen asset management and support compliance. Further, wind propulsion and validated performance models are offering practical routes to emissions reduction.
Today’s stories examine how navigation, structural insight and propulsion technologies are being applied in real operations:
AI navigation trials by Lloyd’s Register and Orca AI show measurable gains in detection and bridge decision support;
Fleet standardisation of integrated bridge systems by German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration and Anschütz improves usability and crew transfer;
Light Structures has launched ARGUS-VM, a sensor-free system that gives shipowners fleet-wide hull insight while supporting ABS SMART(SHM) Tier 1 compliance;
Validated wind propulsion modelling by OceanWings, confirmed by DNV, strengthens investment confidence; and
Wind-assisted propulsion installations by bound4blue for Klaveness Combination Carriers bring fuel savings and regulatory benefits into service.
Navigation, Autonomy & New Technologies
LR, Orca AI trial shows AI navigation gains at sea
A live vessel trial shows how AI-based navigation can detect targets missed by traditional systems and support safer decisions at sea. The results combine performance data with crew feedback to give shipowners a clearer view of real-world value.
In Case You Missed It
The Digital Ship AI & Automation Journal
Petter Andersen, VP of Shipping at StormGeo, describes how AI is evolving to bring port-side variables directly into voyage optimisation. “We don’t just consider route, weather, fuel and cost, but also expected port congestion and waiting times”, he explains. “This enables just-in-time arrival strategies that optimise not only the sea passage but also the full voyage, including port stay.”
Navigation, Autonomy & New Technologies
WSV upgrades Arkona with standardised digital bridge by Anschütz
A fleet-wide bridge upgrade programme shows how integrated systems can simplify operations and improve consistency across vessels. The approach supports safer navigation while reducing complexity for crews and managers.
Software, Big Data & IoT
Light Structures launches sensor-free hull monitoring
A new virtual monitoring system allows shipowners to assess hull condition without onboard sensors, using existing operational and environmental data. The solution provides a lower-cost entry into compliance and condition-based maintenance.
Where operational excellence meets net zero ambition
Propulsion and future fuels
KCC adopts wind propulsion with eSAIL install
Wind-assisted propulsion is being installed on a newbuild combination carrier, offering fuel savings and regulatory advantages from day one. The project shows how wind technology is being applied in commercial operations at scale.
Propulsion and future fuels
OceanWings, DNV validate wind propulsion data
Independent validation of wind propulsion modelling provides shipowners with verified data on fuel savings and emissions impact. The methodology supports compliance planning and investment decisions across vessel types.
Yesterday’s Most Engaging Story
Marlink: multi-LEO design determines fleet performance
Multi-LEO connectivity is raising new operational questions for shipowners. Marlink argues that network design and integration determine reliability, cost and cyber security across fleets. The discussion points to how connectivity supports digital operations at scale.