Groke brings new situation awareness expertise to One Sea
(Posted on 24/03/23)
One Sea has welcomeed Finnish start-up Groke Technologies as its new member, bringing additional expertise in situational awareness and autonomous navigation to the global alliance on maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS).
Founded in October 2019, Groke Technologies provides state-of-the-art situational awareness systems and intelligent information to support decision making and safer vessel operations with reduced burden on crew. While the start-up is headquartered in Finland, it has established strong connections in Japan, where research and investment into autonomous maritime technology is gathering pace. To date, six Japanese companies have invested in Groke: Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan’s largest trading house and a partner of Groke since its founding; Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing; tanker operators Uyeno Transtech, Tsurumi Sunmarine and Asahi Tanker; and, most recently, tugboat operator Tokyo Kisen. In addition to Japanese investors, Oldendorff Carriers, one of the world’s leading dry bulk owners and operators has also invested in Groke.
In May 2022, Tsurumi Sunmarine became Groke’s first customer when it signed a contract to have Groke Pro installed on selected vessels in its tanker fleet. Groke’s flagship product uses machine vision and sensor fusion to deliver a precise overview of a vessel’s surroundings. The situational awareness system combines information from integrated sensors and recently became the first machine vision solution to obtain Innovation Endorsement for Products and Solutions from Japanese classification society ClassNK.
Groke has established a Japanese branch to be closer to its Japanese investors and customers. The start-up is also collaborating with K Line and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. on a research and development initiative aiming to expedite the implementation of autonomous ships and related technologies.
One Sea Secretary General, Sinikka Hartonen, said: “Welcoming Groke Technologies as our new member is a further boost to our growing expertise in the field of situational awareness and the latest demonstration of how One Sea represents a broad cross-section of the maritime technology industry – from promising start-ups to established market players. The growth and increasing diversity of our membership is a result of the ongoing advocacy work we do on behalf of industry to establish a robust regulatory framework for MASS.”
Groke Technologies CEO, Juha Rokka, states that: “Investment in technologies enabling less human dependent operations is gathering pace worldwide, particularly in Japan, and the backing we have received from Japanese and international companies highlights the importance of international collaboration in the development of MASS and related solutions. As a One Sea member, we have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow technology providers and deliver enhanced situational awareness to a wider audience of ship owners, operators and yards.”
Latest News
Tomini Dynasty Captain receives prestigious Gallantry Award
(Posted on 16/04/24)Tomini Group, a world-class dry bulk ship owner, has announced that Captain Om Dutta has been honoured... Read more
Singapore retains top spot as world’s leading maritime city
(Posted on 15/04/24)Singapore has retained its title as the leading maritime city in the world, followed by Rotterdam and... Read more
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Stellamar
(Posted on 15/04/24)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic... Read more
Maritime industry leaders to explore ammonia as marine fuel on US West Coast
(Posted on 29/03/24)American Bureau of Shipping, CALAMCO, Fleet Management Limited, Sumitomo Corporation and TOTE Services... Read more
MMS raises awareness over improper use of antibiotics on board vessels
(Posted on 29/03/24)Leading provider of medical support services for crews, Marine Medical Solutions (MMS), is concerned... Read more
ESL to sell Supramaxes
(Posted on 25/03/24)ESL Shipping, a leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, has signed a memorandum of... Read more
Sustainable fuels can reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035
(Posted on 25/03/24)New Wärtsilä analysis shows EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime will close price gap, creating policy... Read more
Swedish Club delivers firm foundation for future growth
(Posted on 25/03/24)The Swedish Club reported positive results for 2023, combined with an emphasis on supporting its members... Read more
DNV establishes Tanker and Bulker Expert Team in China
(Posted on 18/03/24)DNV has established a Tanker and Bulker Expert Team based in Shanghai. With strong global demand and... Read more
ClassNK notation for improvements in living and working environment
(Posted on 18/03/24)ClassNK has granted its “ELW” (Excellent Living and Working Environment) notation to &ldquo... Read more
