ZeroNorth has introduced Propel by ZeroNorth, a new agentic AI platform designed for maritime operations. Propel uses AI agents to carry out repetitive manual tasks in operations, enabling operators to concentrate on decisions that require human judgement.

Cargill, Ultrabulk, and CMB.TECH have joined Propel as launch partners. Cargill Ocean Transportation operates one of the largest dry bulk chartering businesses in the world, while CMB.TECH has focused on developing vessels powered by alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. The platform launches with a voyage optimisation agent and is set to expand over time into a full agentic AI partner covering voyage, vessel, and fuel operations.

The launch arrives as the shipping industry confronts increasing operational complexity driven by geopolitical disruption, regulatory change, and volatile fuel prices. Regulatory pressure includes the International Maritime Organization's strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050, as well as the European Union's inclusion of maritime CO2 emissions in its Emissions Trading System beginning in 2024. Operators must coordinate decisions across multiple vessels and disconnected systems, where improved coordination can yield meaningful time and fuel savings across an entire fleet.

Agentic AI now enables software to go beyond providing insight and recommendations. It can understand intent, respond to evolving conditions, and help execute work across complex operational processes. Propel is built specifically to deliver these capabilities.

In its current form, Propel handles repetitive manual tasks related to voyage optimisation that were previously managed by operators. It generates voyage plans, manages communication with the vessel's master, incorporates feedback into the plan, and updates it while keeping the operator informed at every stage. The system operates continuously, responding as conditions shift, helping operators act on voyage opportunities sooner and saving hours of manual coordination across operations teams and fleets.

The voyage optimisation agent has already been in use by ZeroNorth's Professional Services team for the past three months. ZeroNorth is now extending early access to key customers Cargill, Ultrabulk, and CMB.TECH.

Additional agents will be released on a continuing basis. ZeroNorth is testing each new capability with its partners so that Propel is shaped by real operational conditions across different shipping segments from the outset. Propel is ultimately intended to operate across voyage, vessel, and fuel workflows, monitoring operations on a continuous basis and handling actions within boundaries defined by operators. Wider commercial availability is planned for later in 2026, a timeline that places Propel's broader rollout ahead of the IMO's 2027 deadline for its next round of strengthened emissions regulations.

Søren Andersen, CEO of ZeroNorth, said: "Our ambition with Propel is to help change the way shipping works by changing what technology can do inside maritime operations. There is immense potential to move towards operations that are more connected, continuous and precise, where technology takes on more of the coordination work and people can focus their judgement where it creates the greatest value."

"Cargill, Ultrabulk and CMB.TECH were among our very first customers and helped build ZeroNorth from the beginning. Now, they are partnering with us again to shape what comes next for shipping. Their experience will be invaluable in ensuring that Propel is grounded in the realities of the industry today, while helping transform how maritime operations work tomorrow."

James Lewis, Vice President Global Operations at Cargill Ocean Transportation, said: "We're proud to continue working with our long-standing partners at ZeroNorth to explore technologies that can modernise shipping, improve operational efficiency and help move the industry forward."

Oskar Fabricius, CFO at Ultrabulk, said: "At Ultrabulk, we have seen that technology delivers when it is grounded in real operations. The potential for AI that can take action – not just surface insights – is significant, and as a partner since ZeroNorth's earliest days, we are glad to be at the front of shaping what that looks like in practice."

Founded in 2020, ZeroNorth has grown rapidly into a global maritime technology company through a combination of organic growth and six acquisitions. The company currently serves more than 200 customers and processes 1.3 trillion data points, with more than 50 million tonnes of bunkers traded annually on its platform. ZeroNorth achieved positive EBITDA in 2025.

The company's next phase focuses on organic growth, accelerated customer value, and integrating its three product areas through Propel by ZeroNorth — an agentic partner for maritime operations built on a trusted data foundation. Propel is purpose-built for the operational realities of shipping, using AI agents to carry out operational work across voyage, vessel, and fuel workflows while keeping operators in control.

Source: ZeroNorth via Hellenic Shipping News