Lomar taps pilot-assist tech for tanker trial

Lomar’s tanker unit, CB Tankers, has embarked on an innovative year-long trial with its chemical carrier, the CB Pacific, by integrating Mythos AI’s advanced pilot assistance system (APAS). This groundbreaking initiative marks the first deployment of the AI system on a tanker, aiming to enhance navigational safety and efficiency in commercial shipping. The project is a collaboration with lomarlabs, the venture arm of Lomar Shipping, focusing on transforming bridge operations through advanced technology.

Enhancing Safety with Advanced Technology

The APAS is designed with a radar-first architecture that seamlessly integrates with existing radar systems. This integration allows the system to process multiple data streams and deliver prioritized alerts to the crew, significantly reducing distractions on the bridge. Geoff Douglass, CEO of Mythos AI, emphasized that the intent is not to replace the crew but to empower them with advanced capabilities. He stated, “By combining radar perception, machine vision, and intelligent alerting with vessel dynamics, APAS turns complex situations into clear, actionable decisions.”

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The CB Pacific, built in 2020, serves as an ideal testing platform due to its specific routing profile and Furuno radar setup. The live trials will concentrate on critical aspects such as collision prediction, adherence to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), and overall navigational support. Stylianos Papageorgiou, managing director of lomarlabs, highlighted the importance of real-world application, asserting that “real innovation doesn’t happen in pitch decks. It happens in real-time operations, port calls, dry docks, and sea trials.”

Future Implications and Industry Interest

This pilot program is a crucial step in Mythos AI’s broader strategy for commercial rollout, which already includes contracts with U.S. operators and growing interest within the defense sector. The company is currently engaging with classification societies to explore regulatory pathways for widespread adoption. Shipowners have also expressed interest in implementing the technology in their fleets, indicating a promising future for AI-driven solutions in the maritime industry.

As the trial progresses, the insights gained will not only refine the APAS system but also potentially set new standards in shipping safety and operational efficiency. The collaboration between Lomar Shipping, lomarlabs, and Mythos AI demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation in a crucial sector, paving the way for smarter and safer maritime operations.