Athens-headquartered Ionic is equipping its tankers and bulk carriers with Orca AI’s SeaPod digital watchkeeper to enhance navigational safety and reduce fuel consumption during voyages.
Ionic is also using Orca AI’s FleetView shoreside application to monitor navigational behaviour and support master and crew decision-making in real time.
It controls a fleet of eight crude tankers and 11 bulkers and has already installed SeaPods on seven tankers as part of its long-term commitment to safety and fuel efficiency. Ionic will now install a SeaPod on another recently delivered tanker and its bulk carriers.
“We aim to operate a fleet that not only delivers reliable transport solutions, but also continuous improvement in safety, efficiency and environmental performance,” said Ionic managing director Spyros Vlassopoulos.
“This platform adds a powerful layer of support for our crews, helping us to mitigate operational risk.”
SeaPods use computer vision and real-time data analytics to help seafarers detect and classify targets earlier and more accurately.
This reduces the risk of incidents, especially in congested waters and low-visibility conditions, while enabling smarter, more energy-efficient navigation. This aligns directly with Ionic’s stated goal of “zero incidents, zero spills”.
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Feedback received from Ionic’s tankers has been consistently positive, especially regarding SeaPod’s ability to track objects in challenging weather and when using thermal cameras.
“With Orca AI’s support and training we look forward to getting maximum value out of the platform,” said Mr Vlassopoulos.
Ionic has also seen a marked reduction in close encounter events, resulting in fuel savings.
“Forward-looking owners are using AI technology to promote voyage efficiency and reduce risk,” said Orca AI chief executive and co-founder Yarden Gross.
“By continuously updating the platform, we can help all our customers, including Ionic, to improve fleetwide visibility, support service excellence and safeguard seafarers, assets and cargo.”
