Maritime and agritech are converging, thanks to Oren Saar and his firm, Agwa. The company aims to provide fresh produce to seafarers globally, emphasizing sustainability and automation. Saar anticipates that advancements in AI and onboard automation will enhance crew welfare and operational efficiency over the next year. Agwa’s innovative system, featuring the Virtual Agronomist, allows for real-time monitoring and control of plant growth, requiring no agricultural expertise from the crew.
While the shipping industry has embraced AI in areas like engineering and routing, Saar highlights a lag in adopting technologies that improve crew wellbeing and food quality. Agwa is addressing this gap, demonstrating that growing food onboard can cut operational costs significantly and reduce waste. As tech investments become essential for enhancing crew conditions and meeting ESG goals, companies are increasingly recognizing the value of such innovations.
As Agwa scales, it is evolving its workforce to include cross-functional experts in agronomy, data science, and maritime engineering. The user-friendly design of their system ensures that it requires minimal technical knowledge, making advanced technology accessible to all crew members. Looking ahead, Agwa plans to expand its offerings and aims to turn vessels into self-sustaining sources of fresh food, marking a significant shift in maritime operations.
Related posts:
Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Approves 10-Year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028
Deltamarin and BAR Technologies introduce wind-optimized hull design
Industry Players Collaboration Results in Innovative Wind Propulsion System
World’s First Biomethanol-Powered CTV Launched by Northern Offshore Services