North America-based Seaspan Corp is expanding its use of digital watchkeeping support devices across its entire fleet of container ships in a bid to improve navigational safety and save fuel, according to the technology company supplying the system.

Seaspan had previously installed Orca AI’s SeaPod digital watchkeeper on some of its vessels in 2023, and has decided to expand the integration of the technology across its remaining fleet of box ships based on performance data from the ships with the technology. 

“An analysis of Seaspan’s fleet performance from 2023−2024 revealed positive results: a 35% increase in the minimum average distance between vessels in open waters and a 37% decrease in close encounters,” Orca AI said.

In using Orca AI, Seaspan crew also managed to minimise extreme manoeuvres and unnecessary course changes during navigation. As a result, Seaspan reported an annual fuel savings of US$100,000 per vessel, preventing the release of 500 tons of CO2 per ship.

“Seaspan’s adoption of Orca AI added is a testament to the transformative potential of AI in maritime operations,” said Orca AI chief executive and co-founder Yarden Gross. “It shows that technology not only enhances safety but also delivers measurable benefits like reduced fuel consumption and improved efficiency.”

SeaPod integrates data from sensors, such as radar, with camera feeds and information from global positioning and automatic identification systems, to provide more insight to bridge teams to enhance situational awareness for navigation.

The system also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse information on potential hazards to alert watchkeepers to high-risk targets in real-time, day or night, and in all weather conditions. This offers the potential for improved reaction times to make route adjustments, reducing close-encounter incidents and risks of accidents.

The system’s operational information is also collected for AI-based analyses which generates insights into ship and fleet performance for shore-based staff.

“We are committed to driving operational excellence, improving emissions data and reporting, and enhancing navigation safety,” said Seaspan’s chief operating officer, Torsten Pedersen. “We are leveraging AI to deliver enhanced performance, sustainability and safety.”