ZeroNorth has announced the launch of Propel by ZeroNorth, a new AI-powered platform designed for maritime operations, with Cargill, Ultrabulk, and CMB.TECH joining as founding partners.

The system employs AI agents that execute repetitive operational tasks rather than merely surfacing recommendations—a capability the company says has become viable as the underlying technology matures. The shift from analysis-oriented AI to systems that act within defined parameters follows a broader trend in enterprise software, where agentic AI is being piloted across multiple sectors.

The first agent to go live covers voyage optimisation. It generates voyage plans, manages communications with the vessel's master, incorporates feedback, and updates plans as conditions change. In an industry where fuel costs and emissions performance are central operational concerns, continuous voyage re-planning carries direct implications for voyage economics and environmental outcomes. ZeroNorth reports that the agent has been in use by its Professional Services team for three months and is now being made available to the three founding partners ahead of a wider commercial release planned for later in 2026.

Additional agents covering vessel and fuel workflows are currently in development, and the company intends to expand the platform over time.

ZeroNorth states that it now serves more than 200 customers, with more than 50 million tonnes of bunkers traded annually on its platform, and that it achieved positive EBITDA in 2025. All three launch partners have been ZeroNorth customers since the company was founded in 2020. The launch reflects growing investment in maritime digitalisation, as shipping companies face tightening emissions regulations—including IMO decarbonisation targets and the EU's inclusion of maritime emissions in its emissions trading system—and seek operational efficiencies through data-driven tools.

Søren Andersen, CEO of ZeroNorth, said in a statement: "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," Andersen added.

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," Fabricius added.

Source: Ship & Bunker