Mythos AI Installs First-of-its-Kind Navigation Safety System on Southern Devall Tow Vessel

Mythos AI, a pioneer in maritime autonomy and situational awareness systems, has completed the first installation of its Advanced Pilot Assist System (APAS) on a Southern Devall tow vessel. This milestone marks the first deployment of this type of technology on the Mississippi River, signaling a transformative step in American inland shipping.

The Mississippi River and its connected waterways move over 500 million tons of freight annually, contributing to a supply chain valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Enhancing safety and uptime on these routes has the potential to yield massive economic gains and reduce costly navigation incidents that impact fuel use, delivery schedules, and port access.

“This technology represents a step change in how we think about safety and operational control on the river,” said Sam Lewis, Vice President of Sustainability at Southern Devall. “Our top priority is keeping our crews, vessels, and cargo safe in increasingly complex navigation environments. Mythos AI’s system gives us a new level of foresight — and we believe it will increase safety gains and fuel savings.”

Southern Devall operates a fleet of 70 towboats across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Mississippi River system, with plans to expand APAS to sister vessels following the success of the initial launch.

MV Arne Christiansen — Image Credits: Southern Devall

“Rapid changes in the river environment can quickly create significant navigation challenges for our captains and crews,” said Bob Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at Southern Devall. “These changes often lead to costly disruptions. The Mythos AI system shows real promise in its ability to learn the navigational constraints of our routes and vessels and assist with real-time decision-making. In an increasingly unpredictable operating environment, we see APAS as a critical path to maintaining consistent operations while increasing the safety of our fleet.”

This pilot vessel could operate across Southern Devall’s 12,000-mile service area, continuously training Mythos AI’s advanced navigation algorithms using real-time environmental and behavioral data from one of the nation’s most dynamic waterways.

“We’re not just tracking hazards — we’re building a smarter river,” said Geoff Douglass, CEO of Mythos AI. “With APAS, Southern Devall is leading the charge in bringing next-generation navigation safety and efficiency to one of America’s most vital economic arteries.”

Technology Features Prioritized for Pilot Deployment

Mythos AI’s APAS system enhances real-time awareness and decision support for captains. For the Southern Devall deployment, key features include:

Navigation & Hazard Detection

Autonomous tracking and alarms for:
Floating debris (e.g., deadheads)
Displaced buoys and navigation aids
Nearby vessels
Approaches to locks and dams
Stopping Distance Alert System:
Calculates dynamic stopping distances based on real-time speed, river conditions, and vessel characteristics to warn operators if control thresholds may be exceeded.

Fuel Monitoring & Efficiency Tools

Logs fuel consumption and propulsion data
Detects waste and anomalies
Recommends optimal performance zones using a vessel-specific power model

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