Orca AI aims to replicate Israel’s historic success with Waze through an innovative maritime navigation system that enables ships around the world to share real-time information on maritime congestion, extreme weather, GPS disruptions, and even security threats such as pirate attacks.
The system, called Co-Captain, is described by the company as the "Waze of the sea" and connects over a thousand commercial ships already equipped with Orca AI technology, allowing them to act as live sensors that update each other on sea conditions and hazards. Each ship transmits and receives event-based alerts, combined with external data on weather, local regulations, and vessel traffic in the area.
According to the company, the system provides a direct response to the sharp rise in accidents and incidents at sea, caused by increasing congestion along shipping routes. Each ship is equipped with cameras and artificial intelligence systems that identify in real time vessels not broadcasting automatic identification (AIS) – such as fishing boats, maritime obstacles, or fishing nets – and alert other ships accordingly.
The information is transmitted over a secure network and anonymized, ensuring user privacy. In addition to alerts about hazardous sea conditions, Co-Captain also updates on pirate activity, marine wildlife protection zones, speed limits, and pollutant emissions to ensure compliance with international regulations.
Yarden Gross, CEO and co-founder of Orca AI, explains: "Since 90% of international trade takes place by sea, collaborative navigation has become a safety, environmental, and security necessity. This is likely the most precise community-driven navigation engine in maritime history, changing the way vessels identify risks and support each other at sea. We are building a living, evolving system, where every vessel is a link in the chain that enables safe and operationally efficient navigation, protecting the crew, cargo, and the ship itself."
Orca AI was founded in 2018 by Gross and Dor Raviv – both naval veterans – and has raised $111 million to date. The company develops artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies that allow crews at sea to make data-driven decisions even in low-visibility conditions, and enable shipping companies to improve the operational efficiency of their fleets. It currently employs about 120 people – mostly at its development center in Israel, with the rest at its headquarters in London and other offices worldwide.