Australian-owned expedition operator Aurora Expeditions has announced the expansion of its partnership with ocean technology company CounterCurrent, following an Antarctic trial of AI-powered ocean forecasting technology aboard its newest purpose-built expedition ship, Douglas Mawson.
The collaboration is exploring how artificial intelligence and real-time ocean data can help vessels navigate more efficiently, optimise fuel consumption and reduce emissions, supporting Aurora Expeditions’ commitment to responsible exploration.
Conducted between December 2025 and March 2026, the trial saw CounterCurrent work closely with Aurora’s experienced bridge team to test the technology in challenging maritime conditions. Across five Antarctic voyages, it delivered 39 route recommendations and collected more than 5,600 environmental observations over 126 days of operation.
Early sea trials have indicated fuel savings of more than 2–5% over 24 hours, while preliminary modelling suggests potential savings of up to 5–15% in suitable conditions, depending on vessel type, operating speed and route. These findings remain preliminary, with further testing required to validate longer-term performance.
Upgraded CounterCurrent Mark 3 Triton sensors have now been deployed across Aurora’s three purpose-built expedition ships – Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer – marking the next phase of the partnership.
Sasha Buch, Aurora Expeditions Head of Sustainability and Passenger Experience, said the collaboration demonstrates Aurora Expeditions’ commitment to exploring practical innovation that can support more responsible operations. “At Aurora Expeditions, we’ve spent more than 35 years exploring some of the world’s most remote environments, and we recognise the responsibility that comes with operating in these extraordinary places.”
“Partnerships like CounterCurrent allow us to explore ways to make our operations more efficient, while contributing real-world insights that can help advance technology for the wider maritime industry. By testing these innovations in Antarctica, we’re supporting practical solutions with the potential to deliver environmental benefits.”
Harnessing the power of ocean currents
Described by CounterCurrent founder Professor Shane Keating as “Google Maps for the Sea”, the technology combines AI-driven forecasting, ship-mounted sensors and real-time ocean observations to identify more efficient routes through dynamic ocean currents.
By identifying favourable currents and recommending small adjustments to avoid unfavourable conditions, the system aims to help vessels reduce fuel consumption without necessarily increasing journey times. It uses observations collected directly from vessels to refine its forecasts and provide locally informed recommendations.
During the Antarctic trial, sensors operated in temperatures as low as -30°C and winds reaching 120 km/h. Feedback from Aurora’s crew also helped CounterCurrent refine the technology to account for sea ice, swell, passenger comfort and expedition schedules. Final routing decisions remain with Aurora’s captains and bridge teams.
Professor Shane Keating, Founder of CounterCurrent, said the Antarctic trial provided a valuable opportunity to develop the technology in a demanding marine environment. “Working with Aurora Expeditions has given us access to an extraordinary real-world testing environment, helping us understand how our technology performs in extreme conditions and how it can support experienced maritime crews.”
“The data and feedback collected aboard Douglas Mawson have directly informed the next generation of our technology, bringing us closer to making ocean navigation smarter, more efficient and ultimately more sustainable.”
Taking innovation fleet-wide
Developed using learnings from Douglas Mawson, the next-generation Mark 3 Triton sensors incorporate improved solar generation for high-latitude environments, eight times greater battery capacity and expanded onboard processing and storage. The enhancements support more reliable data collection in remote regions, including during periods without sunlight or satellite connectivity.
With the technology now operating across three ships, the next phase will explore fleet-wide forecasting, allowing observations from one vessel to help improve forecasts and route recommendations for others operating in the same region. The partnership also supports development of onboard forecasting that could reduce reliance on cloud-based processing.
For Aurora Expeditions, the collaboration represents another opportunity to contribute to advances in maritime sustainability while continuing to deliver safe and immersive small-ship expeditions.
