Harren Group partners with Orca AI for AI-powered navigational safety on newbuild fleet

London, UK: Harren Group, one of Germany’s leading ship-owning and maritime logistics specialists, will partner with maritime technology pioneer Orca AI to strengthen navigational safety and operational efficiency for their new build heavy-lift vessels (HLVs), multipurpose vessels (MPVs), deck carriers and bulkers – marking a key milestone in Harren’s drive toward a measurable, data-driven safety culture.

“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– a cutting-edge situational awareness system that enhances safety, reduces fuel consumption, and supports smarter, more sustainable operations at sea.

Our partnership with Orca AI will help us build an even stronger foundation for safety,” said Nils Aden, Managing Director at Harren Group. “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.”

LINKING BRIDGE AND SHORE, SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE

Aligned with Harren’s shift toward quantifiable safety outcomes, the collaboration 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 continuous 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. 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.

“Harren Group exemplifies the next generation of maritime safety leadership,” said Yarden Gross, CEO and Co-founder of Orca AI. “By combining real-world navigational data with AI-driven insights, they’re building a transparent, measurable approach to safety that empowers crews and shore teams alike.”

REINFORCING ESG COMMITMENT

For Harren, the partnership represents more than a retrofit initiative – it embeds AI-powered safety into the DNA of its fleet. By fusing live computer-vision data with existing navigational systems, the Orca AI platform enhances situational awareness, predicts risks and reduces bridge workload – enabling safer, more efficient navigation that contributes to lower fuel consumption, fewer incidents and smarter decision-making.

“At Harren, we recognise a shared responsibility to protect the ocean, empower our people and embrace the opportunities that innovation brings,” added Aden. “This commitment is more than words – it’s action. When we navigate with care, we protect what matters most.”

MODEL FOR THE INDUSTRY

Relou notes that this and similar agreements show how forward-thinking operators are adopting AI-powered situational awareness, data transparency and measurable fleet-wide safety transformation as cornerstones of future-ready maritime operations.