Accelleron upgrades AI tool to support whale-safe navigation
A new partnership between Accelleron and Whale Guardians, a nonprofit marine conservation organization, is set to improve whale-safe navigation by embedding conservation insights into the OptiNav AI voyage optimization tool. The initiative aims to help prevent vessel collisions with whales while maintaining efficient maritime operations.
It addresses the ongoing issue of fatal strikes between ships and whales that not only reduce already threatened cetacean populations but also affect the broader ocean health. Whales play essential ecological roles by supporting biodiversity, fertilizing waters, and helping remove and store CO2 from the atmosphere in the deep ocean.
Through research conducted with local partners, Whale Guardians has identified key patterns in whale activity and developed guidance on safe navigation routes as well as whale behaviour. This information will be integrated into Accelleron’s OptiNav AI tool to help operators to incorporate whale presence directly into routing decisions and speed planning.
The update will also expand its environmental scope by factoring in underwater noise impacts on marine mammals, while providing verifiable data that supports transparency and sustainability reporting.
As part of the LOREKA360° suite or as a standalone solution, OptiNav AI helps operators to assess voyage options before departure by balancing fuel efficiency, emissions compliance, safety and commercial requirements.
Photo : Accelleron