Maritime technology company Orca AI has launched Co-Captain, the world’s first platform that enables vessels to share data with each other in real time. The system connects more than 1,000 vessels already equipped with Orca AI technology, turning each into both a sensor and a source of verified information.
Using Orca AI’s advanced computer-vision system, Co-Captain integrates visual data from cameras with external inputs to create a unified, continuously updated picture of the maritime environment. Ships can detect and share information about non-AIS targets – including small fishing boats, floating debris or fishing nets – as well as hazards such as GPS interference, storms or congested routes.
When a vessel uploads a new observation, Co-Captain instantly processes it in the cloud and sends tailored alerts to other ships that may be affected. The shared data – fully anonymized – helps crews anticipate hazards, adjust routes and navigate more safely.
According to the company, the system enhances both safety and efficiency by reducing delays, optimizing fuel use and minimizing incident-related downtime. With more than 100 million nautical miles of data already collected, Orca AI aims to build a global ecosystem of connected vessels sharing real-time intelligence at sea.
