US Navy’s New Tool for Safer, Data-Driven Navigation
The U.S. Navy is partnering with Sofar Ocean to pilot the Wayfinder platform, a cutting-edge maritime technology, through its Fleet Weather Centers in Norfolk and San Diego.
This platform will help Navy ships, especially those of the Military Sealift Command, navigate safer and more efficient routes using real-time ocean weather data.
Sofar Ocean’s co-founder Tim Janssen highlights that Wayfinder enhances situational awareness and optimizes routing by drawing from an extensive network of real-time ocean sensors.
Through a five-year research agreement with CNMOC, the Navy aims to use Wayfinder to reduce the time and effort needed to manually create forecasts, letting Wayfinder automatically suggest routes based on live data.
Wayfinder uses data from Spotter buoys worldwide, offering accurate wave and weather predictions that help streamline route planning and minimize hazardous vessel motions.
For Captains and shoreside teams, this real-time data brings new accuracy, allowing them to validate forecasts and examine multiple route options swiftly and effectively.
As Captain Erin Ceschini from FWC-SD shared, Wayfinder allows a better visual of ship routes, supporting safer and faster decisions about route, speed, and heading adjustments.
Ultimately, this partnership with Sofar Ocean reflects the Navy's commitment to safer, data-driven navigation amidst unpredictable weather, empowering fleet efficiency and mission-critical focus.