Chilean shipowner Ultranav is backing a Belgian start-up called Mahi that aims to improve navigational safety and efficiency.
The technology company is developing autonomous software for the maritime sector.
A seed funding round was led by Ultranav and US venture capital firm Pirque, with a “knowledgeable group” of business angel investors also taking part, Mahi said. Amounts were not disclosed.
The first product, Mahi Sense, tackles situational awareness and autonomous decision-making challenges encountered by unmanned vessel integrators and ship owners/operators, the company said.
Chief executive Pieter-Jan Note said the investment would enable Mahi to add research and development staff and sales people to follow the increase in customer accounts.
“We seek talented people to bring the company to the next level,” he added.
The idea is to pilot the system on Ultranav ships.
Per Lange, chief executive of Ultranav International, said that to improve safety and reduce emissions, the industry needs to implement innovative technologies.
“Mahi is a perfect example of how start-ups can help shipping companies drive this change,” he added.
Mahi was set up in February 2022 and already counts the UK Ministry of Defence and Belgium shipowner DEME among its clients.
It is also working with the US Navy on artificial intelligence projects in Bahrain.
The company’s founders were behind the private initiative called Project Mahi that sent the world’s first solar-powered autonomous surface vessel across the Atlantic Ocean last year.
Ultranav, founded in 1960, has more than 300 tankers, bulkers, LPG carriers, boxships, offshore support vessels and tugs.
