NorthStandard study demonstrates benefits of AI navigation support

“Fleet growth, crewing shortages, rising asset values, and increasing disruption to navigation systems are compounding navigational risk," said NorthStandard head of loss prevention, Colin Gillespie. “The operating environment today is more complex, less predictable and less forgiving.”

Mr Gillespie referenced increasing reports of interference and spoofing of signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) following geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, eastern Mediterranean, Persian Sea and Black Sea.

Orca AI’s digital watchkeeper modules and software provide insights to support bridge teams navigating vessels through congested waters.

The report identified a clear shift toward more proactive crew behaviour, reflected in the higher use of the Orca AI platform in congested waters.

“What we are seeing through our work with Orca AI, and now reinforced by this study, is that improved situational awareness and earlier risk detection can materially reduce close-quarters situations,” said Mr Gillespie.

“For our members, and bridge teams, that translates directly into safer operations, lower exposure to navigational risk, and more consistent decision-making under pressure.”

AI decision support plays an increasingly important role in enabling safe and timely decision-making, said Orca AI chief executive and co-founder Yarden Gross.

“This joint analysis validates at scale that earlier, better-informed decisions on the bridge lead directly to safer voyages,” he said. “By improving detection, prioritisation, and response in real time, crews can manage developing situations before they escalate into high-risk encounters."

Report findings show that crews actively use AI-assisted situational awareness to manage multiple contacts, prioritise risk, and maintain awareness in rapidly developing situations.

“As this shift becomes measurable and consistent across fleets, we can expect it to increasingly be reflected in reduced risk exposure and, over time, how insurers assess that risk.”