The new tool is part of the company’s broader effort to integrate AI across its platform, enabling shipowners and operators to achieve greater efficiency and cost savings in daily vessel operations.
HarborLab secured over $16 million in Series A funding in 2024.
With port-related expenses averaging around $2 million per year for a single vessel on voyage charter, fleet operators managing over 100 ships face potential financial risks of up to $200 million annually. HarborLab’s AI-driven solution aims to provide real-time insights, greater control, and automation, enabling faster and more confident financial and operational decision-making.
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The launch of HL AI aims to enhance DA verification and approval workflows by offering operators detailed visibility into how each port expense is calculated.
The tool leverages HarborLab’s algorithmic insights and real-time port tariff data to provide greater transparency. Additionally, it includes an instant translation feature to convert tariff documents into English, eliminating language barriers and improving access to official port information.
HL AI also automates email responses for expense discrepancies, expediting negotiations. The AI system continuously learns and evolves based on user interactions, ensuring accuracy and adaptability within the HarborLab platform.
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“More than $130 billion is spent globally across the industry every year on port expenses, yet many shipping companies still struggle with a traditionally opaque and time-consuming process of port cost management,” stated HarborLab’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Antonis Malaxianakis.
“With HL AI we are eliminating inefficiencies and tripling the DA review capacity of industry players, ultimately giving them greater control over their financial operations.
“Crucially, HL AI is the latest step in our goal towards a fully autonomous DA management process by showcasing the power of AI in the world of commercial shipping. At present, a single HarborLab user can oversee more than 1,000 port calls per year so this latest move will enable our users to be much more efficient when it comes to DA verification and handling.”
Beyond cost optimisation, HarborLab is evolving into a comprehensive port call management platform. Its features include instant access to port insights, standardised event reporting for laytime and demurrage calculations, and streamlined payments and cost validation.
In 2024, Ninety Percent of Everything Limited (90POE) and HarborLab announced a strategic partnership to enhance operational efficiency and transparency in the maritime industry.