Aurora Expeditions has partnered with CounterCurrent, an Australian climate technology company, to incorporate its Artificial Intelligence navigation system onboard its newest ship, Douglas Mawson.
Aurora, a Certified B Corporation that meets high standards of environmental performance, said it is the first cruise line to integrate AI-powered navigation technology via CounterCurrent.
“Launching in December 2025, the Douglas Mawson will host a CounterCurrent sensor throughout the 2025–26 Antarctic season, capturing real-time wind, wave and ocean-current data from some of the most remote waters on Earth,” Aurora said.
“The data will feed into global climate and weather models, improving forecasting accuracy worldwide while supporting safer, more efficient and lower-emission navigation across the maritime industry,” the company added.
CounterCurrent’s onboard sensors will enable Douglas Mawson to “capture live oceanographic data across the Southern Ocean, feed information into global climate and weather models,” and much more, Aurora said.
“Planning safe, efficient and lower-emission shipping routes relies on good data and an understanding of ocean currents,” said Aurora Expeditions Sustainability Manager Sasha Buch, at Aurora Expeditions.
“Through our collaboration with CounterCurrent and the Polar Citizen Science Collective, we’re helping fill critical data gaps in the Southern Ocean –contributing to a smarter, cleaner future for maritime travel, one where every voyage improves the next.”
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