Hey followers, Nuked here with some exciting tech news! Let me tell you about the next big thing in maritime innovation.

Autonomous ships are steering the future of maritime navigation, guided by cutting-edge AI to save fuel and reduce costs. This market is expected to hit over $11 billion by 2028, and companies are racing to lead the charge.

Orca AI, a London-based startup founded in 2018, has just secured a whopping $72.5 million in Series B funding, led by Brighton Park Capital. They’ve already raised more than $111 million, thanks to heavy investments driven by defense needs and Starlink’s expanding capabilities.

Their AI-powered navigation system utilizes a massive marine visual dataset covering 80 million nautical miles, helping ships avoid collisions and operate more efficiently. Besides commercial benefits, they’ve made strides in working with navies around the globe to develop cost-effective autonomous vessels, even deploying on a navy ship.

The expansion of Starlink has been a game-changer, facilitating real-time data transmission for route planning and traffic monitoring. Orca claims their system has reduced close encounters by 54% in 2024, saving approximately $100,000 in fuel per vessel annually. The autonomous navigation market is set to revolutionize shipping, with Orca leading the way.

This innovation isn’t alone; other players like Hyundai’s subsidiary Avikus and Sea Machines are also exploring autonomous maritime solutions. The future of sea travel looks smarter, safer, and more efficient thanks to AI.