Wallenius Wilhelmsen puts millions behind maritime digitalisation startup

A new startup backed by Wallenius Wilhelmsen has called out the maritime industry for its 'dated' software and lack of digital cohesion.

Oslo-based startup Raa Labs received US$2M in seed money from Wallenius Wilhelmsen to develop a range of digital services aimed at helping maritime industries update their digital practices.

“The current digital state of the maritime industry is lagging standardisation, disconnected data in monolithic silos and dated software. This creates inefficiencies and slows down innovation,” said Raa Labs CEO, Ari Marjamaa.

A statement from Wallenius Wilhelmsen said the maritime digitalisation startup will focus on helping the industry meet regulatory requirements, reduce its environmental footprint and save money.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen and the Wilhelmsen group has also promised its Raa Labs access to its own 'networks' of in-house expertise.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen CEO Craig Jasienski said the pace of digital change in the shipping industry was accelerating and that his company's new Raa Labs unit would be looking ahead for opportunities to 'radically' change the industry. 

"We want to create a unit that is ahead of us, scouting for new digital solutions to radically change our businesses and to help other companies do the same," he said.

Raa Labs "will focus on technological innovation, and how software can meet the demands placed on the shipping industry today," the company's statement said.

The Raa Labs startup is comprised of employees with professional backgrounds in the technology and maritime sectors as well as entrepreneurial experience.