SYDNEY, Australia – [October 22, 2025] – CounterCurrent, an ocean data and technology company, today announced a new partnership with Aurora Expeditions and The Polar Citizen Science Collective to trial their AI-enabled ocean forecasting and smart ship routing technology in the Southern Ocean.
CounterCurrent uses artificial intelligence, onboard sensors and satellite data to generate hyper-local, vessel-specific route predictions. Its system continuously analyses ocean conditions and ship performance to model the most fuel-efficient routes — effectively helping ships “ride” ocean currents rather than resist them. This not only reduces emissions and operational costs but also enhances safety and efficiency in challenging polar environments.
Aurora Expeditions, the award-winning leader in small-ship adventure travel, will integrate CounterCurrent’s pioneering AI-powered navigation system aboard their new state-of-the-art polar cruise vessel, the Douglas Mawson during the 2025-26 Antarctic season. The Douglas Mawson will carry one of CounterCurrent’s Triton ocean sensors, capturing real-time wind, wave and ocean current data and integrating them into CounterCurrent’s forecasts.
CounterCurrent and Aurora Expeditions have also partnered with The Polar Citizen Science Collective, a UK-based charity that advocates for research and public education through citizen science onboard polar cruise vessels.
“CounterCurrent is excited to partner with Aurora Expeditions to validate our AI-driven ocean forecasting technology in some of the most remote seas on Earth”, said Dr Shane Keating, Founder and CEO of CounterCurrent. “The data gathered by the Douglas Mawson using our Triton ocean sensor will provide incredibly valuable insights into weather, ocean currents, and climate variables in this unique environment.”
About CounterCurrent:
CounterCurrent is a climate tech spinout company from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Leveraging over a decade of oceanographic and space tech research, CounterCurrent is developing the world’s first generative AI ocean forecasting system for ships. CounterCurrent’s forecasts use proprietary AI technology, satellite data, and autonomous onboard sensors to provide real-time hyperlocal forecasts for the maritime industry to deliver safety at sea, efficient routing, and asset optimisation.
About Aurora Expeditions:
Aurora Expeditions is an award-winning Australian-owned adventure travel company that has pioneered experiential travel for over 34 years. A Certified B Corporation™️, a commitment to the protection and preservation of our planet is at the heart of each experience. Founded on the guiding principles of adventure and endless exploration, our carefully curated small-ship voyages offer immersive activities, more time off ship and thoughtful enrichment programs in some of the planet’s most remote and incredible places.
Aurora’s two purpose-built small ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, are designed for global discovery. The company’s third ship, Douglas Mawson, will set sail in December 2025.
About The Polar Citizen Science Collective:
The Polar Citizen Science Collective creates opportunities for research and public education through citizen science, leveraging the reach of polar travelers to enhance understanding and protection of the polar regions. By leveraging an extensive network of ship and land-based tour operators and engaging polar travelers, The Polar Citizen Science Collective helps to reduce the high costs and the complexity of access to the polar regions are often prohibitive to Arctic and Antarctic research.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Dr Shane Keating
Founder and CEO
shane@countercurrent.ai