Every day, over 50,000 cargo ships cross the world’s oceans, transporting approximately 90% of global trade. However, this essential industry comes with a significant environmental cost, accounting for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Associate Professor Shane Keating, oceanographer and applied mathematician at UNSW Sydney, is working to change that through a new spinout company, CounterCurrent.
Built on 15 years of research in ocean forecasting and satellite remote sensing, CounterCurrent uses artificial intelligence and advanced ocean models to provide real-time, fuel-efficient shipping routes.
“The technology is like a Google Maps for the ocean,” says Associate Professor Shane Keating. “It provides optimal routes that allow ships to harness natural ocean currents, reducing fuel use and emissions.”
Ships typically follow the shortest route between two points, the great circle route, but that’s not always the most energy-efficient. By incorporating ocean eddies, CounterCurrent’s technology enables vessels to travel more efficiently, even if the path is slightly longer.
Associate Professor Shane Keating explains how ocean eddies can help reduce shipping emissions
Keating’s work is supported by recent advancements in satellite technology, such as the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. He is a member of the international SWOT science team and leads the Australian SWOT Working Group (AUSWOT), helping to bring these high-resolution observations into practical use.
Having tested his algorithm on over 100 vessels, Keating has demonstrated consistent fuel savings of up to 20%, a compelling proposition for an industry under increasing pressure to decarbonise.
Through the TRaCE Enterprise Academic Fellowship, A/Prof. Keating is receiving tailored support to advance CounterCurrent’s commercial journey. This includes funding, mentorship, and industry connections to help bridge the gap between his research and the market.
“With TRaCE’s support, we’re accelerating the commercialisation of this technology to help the shipping industry reduce emissions today, without the need for costly retrofitting or new fuels,” says Keating.
As the International Maritime Organization targets net-zero emissions by 2050, innovations like CounterCurrent can offer immediate, scalable solutions helping an often-overlooked sector navigate the transition to a low-carbon future.
About the TRaCE Enterprise Academic Program
The TRaCE Enterprise Academic Fellowship Program provides funding for researchers to focus on commercialising their innovations, offering the time, support, and resources needed to accelerate the transition from research to real-world impact. This may involve spinning out companies, establishing innovation hubs, or forging industry partnerships. Programs like this not only bring new technologies to market but also cultivate a new generation of researchers who are commercially focused and driven to create a lasting impact.