Orca AI raises $72.5M to expand autonomous maritime navigation

Orca AI, a London-based autonomous navigation technology firm, raised $72.5 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Brighton Park Capital and included Ankona Capital and Hyperlink Ventures.

This funding brings Orca AI’s total capital raised to over $111 million. The investment supports the expansion of their AI-powered maritime navigation platform.

Growing Significance of Autonomous Maritime Navigation

The autonomous navigation market is projected to exceed $11 billion by 2028. Orca AI’s technology improves maritime safety and efficiency by reducing collisions and optimizing fuel usage.

In 2024, their alert system cut close encounter events by 54%, saving an average of $100,000 annually per vessel in fuel. This demonstrates AI’s potential positive impact on maritime operations.

Orca AI’s platform integrates real-time data transmission enabled by Starlink’s satellite internet. This advancement enhances route mapping and traffic monitoring. The company has begun applying its technology in defense, securing its first contract for a navy ship.

This diversification signals growing demand for autonomous solutions in both commercial and military maritime sectors.

How Orca AI Achieved This Milestone

Established in 2018 by CEO Yarden Gross and CTO Dor Raviv, Orca AI utilizes a marine visual dataset covering over 80 million nautical miles.

Their AI decision-making system enables ships to navigate with reduced human intervention. Currently, the company maintains collaborative proof-of-concept projects within the commercial shipping sector.

The recent funding aims to accelerate the development of Orca AI’s autonomous shipping platform. It also supports scaling operations within defense maritime applications.

Orca AI joins peers like Avikus and Sea Machines, which are advancing autonomous navigation technologies. Industry interest is rising as AI reshapes maritime transportation worldwide.

• Raised $72.5 million in Series B funding
• Total funding now exceeds $111 million
• 54% reduction in close encounter maritime events in 2024
• Average fuel savings of $100,000 per vessel annually
• First naval contract secured, expanding into defense sector

Orca AI’s funding round was led by the investment firm Brighton Park Capital. Existing backers included Hyperlink Ventures and Ankona Capital. The company plans to broaden its maritime AI applications with the new resources, reinforcing safe and autonomous vessel operations on a global scale.