A maritime accident in the North Sea was filmed by an Orca AI SeaPod surveillance unit. This device, attached to the oil tanker Ionic Aspis, which was anchored near the port of Grimsby at the time, recorded the circumstances of the collision with the oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate.

Two separate videos were captured. One, taken by the SeaPod's daytime cameras, shows thick fog, which would have prevented the crew of the container ship MV Solong from seeing the MV Stena Immaculate with the naked eye. The other, taken with thermal cameras, shows the arrival of the Solong, followed by the violent explosion after it hit the oil tanker.

According to Yarden Gross, CEO and co-founder of Orca AI, these recordings provide a detailed view of the accident, highlighting the conditions of reduced visibility that surrounded the collision. He also emphasises the persistent fragility of maritime navigation, despite the rise of modern technologies.

Sailors still rely mainly on traditional instruments, which are poorly suited to situations of low visibility or complex weather conditions. However, these limitations increase the risks, especially when crew fatigue comes into play, impairing their ability to react and promoting human error.

To remedy these difficulties, Gross emphasises the contribution of artificial intelligence to navigation. He highlights the benefits of increased automation, which improves hazard perception, shortens response times and minimises the risk of accidents. Intelligent data analysis and decision-making systems enable crews to navigate more safely and efficiently.

The British authorities in charge of the investigation have received these images, provided by Orca AI, in order to analyse the circumstances of the collision and establish who was responsible. Orca AI is transforming the maritime industry through artificial intelligence, improving the efficiency and safety of ships and fleets. Its technology enables crews to make quick decisions in low visibility and offers managers detailed performance analysis. In 2022, Orca AI participated in the first autonomous commercial voyage in partnership with DFFAS and the Nippon Foundation.