Captain AI will make safe autonomous shipping a reality
The startup will work closely together with key partners in the port of Rotterdam to make it happen
Today Captain AI announced that they are pioneering an autonomous shipping solution based on state of the art deep learning algorithms. The company will work closely together with the Port of Rotterdam Authority in a pilot project to make a safe and reliable system operational on their RPA vessel.
“Autonomous shipping will revolutionize the shipping and port related industries” says Captain AI co-founder and CEO Vincent Wegener “Currently more than 75% of marine casualties are due to human error, autonomous shipping will significantly reduce these errors. Additionally, the economics of autonomous shipping are clear; the crew makes up 10% to 30% of the total shipping costs. Reducing these costs will make the shipping industry more efficient.”
“Our approach makes use of the latest AI (Artificial Intelligence) algorithms such as deep reinforcement learning, making it possible to safely navigate the waterways of any port in any weather condition“ says Captain AI co-founder and CTO Gerard Kruisheer. “We train our AI in the certified simulator of VSTEP, just like you would train a human captain, before we start operating on a vessel in the real world. The big advantage of training in the simulator is that we can train faster and gain more experience than a human captain can achieve during his lifetime.”
Backed by investors with a reputable track record in the maritime sector
Captain AI is backed by two reputable investors with a long history in the maritime sector; VSTEP, which makes leading solutions for simulation and virtual training and Post & Co, an independent marine and logistics insurance specialist.
“Our certified Nautis simulation software is on the cutting edge of high resolution simulation, making the images almost indistinguishable from reality” says VSTEP owner and CEO Henk van den Berg. “Autonomous shipping is the future and with our investment in Captain AI we will be part of that future.”
“There’s no doubt in my mind that autonomous shipping will impact the insurance industry” says Post & Co owner and CEO Roderick Post “With over 75 years of experience in the market we want to stay on the forefront of the latest developments. With our investment in Captain AI we have front row seats.”
Captain AI team with investors Post & Co and VSTEP on the RPA3 from the Port of Rotterdam
Pilot with the Port of Rotterdam Authority
The Port of Rotterdam has made a commitment to the application and development of Smart Shipping. The RPA vessel, project name ‘The Floating Lab Rotterdam’, is a platform made available by the Port Authority in order to stimulate Smart Shipping innovations in the maritime sector.
“As the Port Authority we ask ourselves the question; how can we, as Port Authority, prepare the Port of Rotterdam to really welcome the ships of the future and keep the operation smooth, smart and safe for everybody” says nautical innovation adviser at the Port of Rotterdam Harmen van Dorsser “We want to create partnerships with companies interested in autonomous shipping and therefore we are excited about the vision of Captain AI and are looking forward to working with them in this pilot.”
The RPA vessel will be used by Captain AI under supervision of the Port Authority to test sensors, algorithms and other equipment.
Captain AI is hiring for positions in its Rotterdam based headquarters.
About Captain AI
Located in the Port of Rotterdam, the largest and busiest port of Europe, Captain AI is developing the world’s first safe and fully autonomous shipping solution using high-fidelity simulation, cutting-edge sensors and state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. For more information, see www.captainai.com
About Post & Co
Post & Co is the independent partner for Marine Liability and Logistics insurances for all players in the logistical chain, such as Ship Owners and Charterers, Terminal and Transport Operators, NVOCC’s, Transport Intermediaries and Port Authorities. Post & Co is based in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Frankfurt and Seoul and was founded in 1941. Currently the 4th generation is at the helm of this family business. For more information, see www.post-co.com.
About VSTEP
VSTEP makes leading solutions for simulation and virtual training. Vstep’s state-of-the-art class certified products allow users to train their skills for every scenario possible in a practical, cost-effective and sustainable way. VSTEP is based in Rotterdam and was founded in 2001. For more information, see www.vstep.nl.
About the Port of Rotterdam Authority
The port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest sea port. The port owes its leading position to its outstanding accessibility for sea-going vessels. And to its intermodal connections and the 180,000 people working in and for Rotterdam’s port and industrial area. A place where unlimited ambitions can become reality.
The objective of the Port of Rotterdam Authority is to enhance the port’s competitive position as a logistics hub and world-class industrial complex. Not only in terms of size, but also with regard to quality. The core tasks of the Port Authority are to develop, manage and exploit the port in a sustainable way and to render speedy and safe services for shipping.
