Introduction to Maritime Technology
American maritime technology company Mythos AI has completed the installation of its Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) aboard the vessel CB Pacific, a chemical cargo ship owned by CB Tankers. This project is designed to manage navigation at sea, using a radar-first approach in combination with other sensing technologies.
How APAS Works
Unlike most traditional systems in this space that depend largely on machine vision, APAS connects directly to a ship’s radar and streamlines data so it can be used to alert a ship’s human crew if necessary during a journey. APAS is designed to support mariners, reduce cognitive load, and improve situational awareness, yet keep human judgement at the centre of navigation. Geoff Douglass, CEO of Mythos AI, said, “Our goal isn’t to replace the crew. It’s to equip them with next-generation capabilities. By integrating our proprietary radar perception, machine vision, and intelligent alerting with the vessel’s dynamics, APAS transforms complex situations into clear, actionable decisions, enhancing safety and operational resilience.”
Testing and Partnerships
The CB Pacific was chosen for testing due to its predictable routes and reliable Furuno radar. The trial follows the first installation of APAS on a Southern Devall towboat on the Mississippi River in August 2025, and will be a year-long experiment aiming to introduce next-gen bridge intelligence to commercial shipping. “Partnering with lomarlabs and CB Tankers enables APAS to capture and retain the expertise of master mariners and the navigational norms of ports worldwide […] We are validating performance at scale and laying the groundwork for broader fleet-wide adoption,” Douglass said.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
The APAS system’s year-long trial will help ensure it functions safely and effectively in real-world conditions, and will check it can follow international regulations compliant with the COLREG (Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). CB Tankers is part of the Lomar group of companies. Managing director of lomarlabs, Stylianos Papageorgiou, said progress in maritime AI only comes from operational testing. “Real innovation doesn’t happen in pitch decks. It happens in real-time operations, port calls, dry docks, and sea trials.”
Future of Maritime AI
With increased interest from the defence sector, the APAS project represents a step toward adoption of AI-driven navigation systems in commercial and strategic maritime operations. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the maritime industry, making navigation safer and more efficient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the installation of APAS on the CB Pacific is a significant step forward in the development of maritime AI technology. The system’s radar-first approach and ability to streamline data make it an innovative solution for managing navigation at sea. As the trial progresses, it will be exciting to see the impact of APAS on the maritime industry and its potential for future adoption.
FAQs
- What is APAS?: APAS is the Advanced Pilot Assistance System, a maritime technology designed to manage navigation at sea.
- How does APAS work?: APAS connects directly to a ship’s radar and streamlines data to alert the human crew if necessary during a journey.
- What is the goal of the APAS project?: The goal of APAS is to equip crews with next-generation capabilities, enhancing safety and operational resilience, not to replace the crew.
- What is the significance of the APAS trial?: The APAS trial is significant as it represents a step toward the adoption of AI-driven navigation systems in commercial and strategic maritime operations.
