German shipping and maritime logistics specialist Harren Group is partnering with maritime technology provider Orca AI to strengthen navigational safety and operational efficiencies.
Orca AI is a situational awareness system that enhances safety, reduces fuel consumption and supports smarter, more sustainable operations at sea, said Nils Aden, managing director at Harren Group. “Our partnership with Orca AI will help us build an even stronger foundation for safety. We can now measure navigational behaviour in ways that weren’t possible before, ensuring that our crews and fleet managers are aligned around data, not assumptions,” he added. The system will be deployed across its heavy lift/multipurpose vessels and deck carriers.
The collaboration also targets a reduction in actual and close encounters and near-misses – one of the company’s top operational KPIs. Orca AI’s operations platform combines the SeaPod digital lookout onboard with the FleetView analytics dashboard ashore, creating a data loop between bridge and fleet management.
The SeaPod’s real-time visual and thermal detection helps bridge teams identify risk earlier and act proactively to prevent close-quarters situations, said Harren Group. Moreover, FleetView aggregates navigational event data to give shore offices measurable insight into bridge behaviour, enabling performance benchmarking, trend identification and focused crew training. Recorded video and event data also support post-voyage reviews and continuous learning.
SAL Heavy Lift – a member to the JSI Alliance and part of the Harren Group – welcomed its first Orca-class vessel, Elise, to its fleet in September 2025. “Our new Orca vessels are equipped with innovative, ultra-efficient engine and propulsions systems, enabling emission-neutral operations. Now, we’re taking it a step further by integrating Orca AI,” Aden said.
