SafeNav Limited, a pioneering company in maritime decision support systems, has joined the Ocean Autonomy Cluster.

By bringing innovative solutions designed by navigators, for navigators, SafeNav aims to support safer and smarter navigation in the maritime industry, both now and in the future.

From bridge fatigue to bold innovation

SafeNav was founded by Captain Jorgen Grindevoll during the COVID-19 pandemic, after observing the challenges mariners face on long voyages. While aboard a modern LNG tanker for nine months, Grindevoll noticed that the crew, both seasoned and new, made more navigational errors than usual due to fatigue and cognitive overload, despite the advanced equipment on board. This highlighted a critical gap: while navigation systems had advanced, they still lacked decision support tools to help mariners manage complex situations in real time.

Driven by this insight, Grindevoll sketched the first concept of SafeNav on a napkin. With extensive experience in both maritime operations and dual-use technology development, he assembled a team of partners and secured funding through Horizon Europe to turn the idea into a fully operational system.

SafeNav platform. Photo: SafeNav

From concept to real-world testing

Now, just 2.5 years later, SafeNav is testing its prototype aboard its first vessel, M/S Salama, in partnership with Turku University of Applied Sciences. A second installation is planned for June 2025 aboard a Danaos Shipping vessel in the Mediterranean. SafeNav is headquartered in London, UK, and is gearing up for a seed investment round to commercialize its first two products.

SafeNav’s flagship system, the SafeNav Co-Pilot, is the world’s first decision support tool for collision avoidance that fully integrates the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Positioned at MASS Level 1, the system is designed for manned ships today and can scale for remote and autonomous operations in the future. The team is working closely with DNV to certify the system, covering 34 out of 40 COLREG rules.

Test vessel Salama - Turku University of Applied Sciences - Turku AMK

Supporting mariners today—preparing for autonomy tomorrow

“We believe autonomy begins with meaningful decision support,” says Capt. Grindevoll. “SafeNav is committed to assisting crews at sea today, while also preparing for the autonomy of tomorrow.”

By joining Ocean Autonomy Cluster, SafeNav aims to engage with fellow companies and experts to collaborate on regulation, certification, and the future of maritime autonomy. With decades of hands-on maritime experience, SafeNav looks forward to contributing its knowledge and learning from others in the cluster as the industry moves toward autonomous shipping.

“We are excited to be part of this network of companies shaping the future of maritime autonomy,” says Capt. Grindevoll. “We look forward to sharing our expertise and working together on the standards and technologies that will define safe and efficient operations at sea.”

Do you want to know more?

Contact Jorgen Grindevoll, Founder & CEO
SafeNav Limited
Direct Tel: +47 99 52 74 39
E-mail: jorgen.grindevoll@safenavsystem.com
Website: www.safenavsystem.com