OneOcean - Experts & Thought Leaders

Latest OneOcean news & announcements

OrbitMI acquires AI firm AuQub to boost maritime tech

OrbitMI is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire Quebec-based AuQub, an artificial intelligence (AI) firm whose suite of AI-driven agents optimises workflows and automates repetitive tasks, helping businesses enhance productivity through more efficient decision-making. By incorporating AuQub’s innovative and accessible SaaS solutions into its platform, OrbitMI continues to advance the adoption of intelligent, connected workflows to help its maritime customers operate profitably, efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Operators anticipate regulatory impacts As OrbitMI deepens its AI capabilities, it is building toward a platform that not only connects data As OrbitMI deepens its AI capabilities, it is building toward a platform that not only connects data but interprets it—providing actionable insights that let shipowners and operators anticipate regulatory impacts, optimise voyages in real time, and make smarter operational decisions at scale.  “Artificial intelligence is central to our mission of making maritime more intelligent,” said Ali Riaz, CEO of OrbitMI. “With AuQub’s technology and talent now part of OrbitMI, we’re accelerating our ability to turn data into insight and insight into action—across the entire maritime value chain.”  OrbitMI's product vision As part of this transaction, OrbitMI announces the appointment of AuQub co-founder Alexandre Lapointe as its new Chief Product Officer. In this role, Alexandre will spearhead OrbitMI's product vision, define its strategic roadmap, and lead the integration of services. Alexandre brings over 25 years of experience across the transportation, energy, and software sectors. He has held key roles in maritime technology at companies such as Lloyd's Register (LR) and served as Chief Product Officer and CTO at OneOcean Group, building a strong understanding of the global maritime landscape and developing relationships across regions, including Japan, the UK, Singapore, and China. At Marine Press, he led the development of Sea Tab, which received the Microsoft IMPACT Innovation Award in 2018 (awarded in July 2019).  Prior roles of Alexandre The agreement to acquire AuQub by OrbitMI marks an important step in that entrepreneurial journey An engineer by training, Alexandre has more than 30 years of experience in software development and digital transformation. He has held senior leadership roles for the past decade with a focus on product integration and enterprise finance.  He has also contributed to five mergers and acquisitions, including one recognised with the 2023 Mid-Sized Enterprise Sale of the Year award in London. In addition to co-founding AuQub, he was a founder of 8thSea. The agreement to acquire AuQub by OrbitMI marks an important step in that entrepreneurial journey. Alexandre’s international experience Fluent in both French and English, Alexandre’s international experience spans the Americas, EMEA, and APAC—positioning him well to lead OrbitMI’s global product strategy.  “I’m truly excited to join OrbitMI and contribute to its vision for a more intelligent and connected maritime industry,” said Alexandre Lapointe, Chief Product Officer at OrbitMI. “Artificial intelligence has the power to transform how businesses operate, and I look forward to applying that potential in ways that deliver real value to our customers. It’s a privilege to work alongside a team so committed to innovation and impact.” 

OrbitMI appoints Michelle Chowey as the Head of Software for APAC

OrbitMI, a globally renowned provider of maritime intelligence and analytics solutions, is pleased to announce Michelle Chowey as its new Head of Software Solutions for the APAC region, as of 20 May 2024. Michelle Chowey brings a wealth of experience in maritime technology, with a career that includes leadership roles in customer success, sales, and business development within the navigational and crewing software sectors. Michelle Chowey  Michelle Chowey comes to OrbitMI from Ocean Technologies Group, and previously LR OneOcean, where she was instrumental in improving customer engagement and promoting sustainable practices in maritime operations. Her experience in maritime technology, coupled with her strong leadership skills, is an ideal fit for OrbitMI's goal of utilising data and technology to advance maritime operations. Maritime AI technology "Joining OrbitMI is a fantastic opportunity to work in the emerging AI industry alongside some of the brightest minds in the field," said Michelle Chowey. She adds, "I am enthusiastic about helping our customers operate more efficiently with OrbitMI's platform. My approach to my dual responsibilities of sales strategy and customer success involves leveraging my past experiences to elevate OrbitMI, build strong customer relationships, and solidify our presence in the maritime tech sector." Cloud-based SaaS platform The company’s solutions encompass maritime intelligence and analytics, sustainability, and compliance OrbitMI, founded in 2019, provides a cloud-based SaaS platform designed to help maritime organisations make better, faster decisions by unlocking the hidden value in their data. The company’s solutions encompass maritime intelligence and analytics, sustainability and compliance, chartering, vessel tracking, performance management, and weather routing. Sustainable operations Ali Riaz, CEO of OrbitMI, commented on the appointment, "Michelle's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for OrbitMI in the APAC region." He adds, "Her unique blend of hands-on experience and innovative thinking will be a tremendous asset as we strive to push the boundaries of maritime technology. Michelle’s proven track record in customer success and her passion for sustainable operations make her the ideal leader to expand our reach and impact." Service advancement Ali Riaz continues, "We are confident that her vision and dedication will drive significant advancements in our services and strengthen our presence in the market." For market expansion, Michelle Chowey intends to leverage the strategic partnership between OrbitMI and Bureau Veritas (BV). By utilising BV’s extensive network and OrbitMI’s innovative solutions, she aims to spearhead OrbitMI’s growth throughout the APAC region.

Lloyd’s Register completes purchase of OneOcean

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has completed the acquisition of OneOcean, a supplier of voyage compliance, safety, and environmental solutions, from Equistone Partners Europe. The move accelerates LR’s ambition to be the maritime industry’s trusted adviser for compliance, safety, and sustainability solutions, enabling its clients to benefit from the more efficient, cleaner, and safer operation, providing a holistic, single-platform view of vessel and voyage performance. Digital solutions integration OneOcean will be integrated with LR’s existing digital solutions, including fleet management (Hanseaticsoft) and vessel performance and optimisation (i4 Insight, C-MAP Commercial, and Greensteam) to expand and considerably complement this portfolio of services.   OneOcean solutions are currently used by more than 16,000 vessels to support and optimize compliance, safety, and environmental performance, enabling teams to work more transparently for improved operational efficiency and enhanced decision-making. Following completion of the purchase, Martin Taylor, CEO of OneOcean, has joined the LR Executive Leadership Team. Operational efficiency The acquisition of OneOcean propels LR to the position of a leading digital player in the maritime industry" LR Group CEO, Nick Brown, said, “The acquisition of OneOcean propels LR to the position of a leading digital player in the maritime industry, helping clients to make better commercial decisions every day, reducing risk, improving operational efficiencies, and meeting complex maritime regulatory requirements." "I am delighted that Martin has joined the LR Executive Leadership Team, bringing a wealth of maritime technology experience with him.” Digital and advisory capabilities Martin Taylor, CEO of OneOcean, said, “We are really looking forward to working with Nick and the whole LR team to create a catalyst for change in an industry that needs to adapt as rapidly as when coal replaced sails. OneOcean has grown phenomenally over the last 20 years to be a clear market leader. Joining the LR family provides a fantastic home for the next chapter of growth." "Together we have the scale, reputation, and expertise to meet the challenges faced by the industry,  combining both digital and advisory capabilities. This is an exciting move for OneOcean, LR, and the wider maritime community.” Software solutions OneOcean was created by the merger of ChartCo, in which Equistone first invested in 2016, and Marine Press in 2019. With Equistone’s support, OneOcean has grown rapidly, with four acquisitions, two divestments, a merger, and a complete cultural change from product distributor to the leading-edge software solutions provider.

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