Video footage captured by Orca AI’s lookout unit (SeaPod) mounted on the tanker Ionic Aspis anchored off the port of Grimsby close to the tanker MV Stena Immaculate at the time of the accident shows the accident as it happened.
The footage comprises two videos, one captured by the SeaPod’s day cameras showing the dense fog that would likely have prevented the crew of the feeder containership MV Solong from seeing the MV Stena Immaculate with the human eye. The second video captured by the SeaPod’s thermal cameras shows the approach of the Solong and the explosion as it ploughed into the tanker.
“This video footage clearly shows the context of the accident, that is the fog conditions at the time, while the moment of impact is also shown clearly,” commented Yarden Gross, CEO and Co-founder of Orca AI.
He added: “This week’s collision is another stark reminder of the fragility of maritime navigation. Despite technological advancements, crews still rely heavily on traditional navigation tools that struggle with target detection in low visibility conditions, rough weather, and dense fog. Compounding these challenges, crew fatigue remains a critical issue, reducing reaction times and increasing the risk of human error. By integrating AI, ships can operate with greater autonomy, improving crew situational awareness, optimizing response times, and ultimately reducing risks. These advancements empower crews with smarter, data-driven decision-making tools to navigate safely and efficiently.”
The video footage has been made available to the UK investigating authorities by Orca AI.
About Orca AI
Orca AI is the leading maritime operations platform utilizing artificial intelligence and computer vision to achieve the most significant change across the shipping industry in centuries. The Orca AI platform empowers shipping companies to maximize operational efficiency and voyage safety for ships and fleets. With Orca AI, crew can now make rapid, data-driven decisions in congested waters or low visibility conditions, while fleet managers and operators gain unprecedented insights into their fleets’ performance.
Orca AI brings autonomous mobility to the shipping industry, having powered the world’s first commercial autonomous voyage in 2022, in partnership with Designing the Future of Full Autonomous Ships (DFFAS) and The Nippon Foundation.
Headquartered in London, UK, Orca AI is trusted by global leaders including Maran Tankers, MSC, Seaspan and NYK, with more than 1,000 vessels booked with the platform.
