LONDON-headquartered digital maritime technology business Orca AI confirmed it has closed investment funding to develop its existing platform further towards the automation of vessel operations.

The new funding of $72.5m will also be used to expand Orca AI’s business in the defence and security sectors.

Orca AI said the completion of its latest funding round brings the total raised to $111m. US-based private equity business Brighton Park Capital led the round with participation from existing investors Ankona Capital and Hyperlink Ventures.

Orca AI’s platform is utilised by major shipowners including Mediterranean Shipping Co, NYK and Seaspan on board some 800 vessels and helps to reduce accidents and operational issues.

The system uses satellite-based services to allow real-time data to be transmitted to Orca AI for route optimisation, traffic monitoring and for the sharing of critical information with shipowners’ vessel management teams.

The platform uses a shipboard module that connects to nine systems of a vessel including AIS, radar and the main engine.

“At Orca AI, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible when AI supports human decision-making at sea,” said Orca AI chief executive and co-founder Yarden Gross.

He said that during the past two years ships had become increasingly connected to the cloud to permit large-scale data collection and unlocking the potential of AI.

By delivering AI-based alerts and recommendations, Orca AI is said to be able to significantly reduce the probability of ship collisions and allow crews to focus their attention on the most critical parts of their voyages.

According to Orca AI, an analysis last year showed that its onboard alerts system provided a 54% reduction in vessel close encounter events.

Orca AI’s planned progression to more autonomous vessel operations could provide a solution to global crew shortages, as it has a significant potential to reduce bridge manning.