In Feb. 2026, Sofar Ocean joined Blue Whales and Blue Skies (“BWBS”) as an ambassador. Sofar Ocean was founded in 2016 by Tim Janssen, PhD, and Evan Shapiro, with the mission to connect the world’s oceans to power a more sustainable future. BWBS asked Sofar Ocean to share more background on their work, how they support mariners, and how it aligns with our efforts to protect whales and improve air quality.

 

Credit: Christie Hemm Klok for Bloomberg Green

 

Tell us about Sofar Ocean

Sofar Ocean is the leading ocean intelligence platform. We own and operate the world’s largest private network of real-time ocean sensors — known as Spotters — turning billions of measurements into insights trusted by scientists, governments, and global shipping fleets. Our technology makes the ocean more predictable and sustainable, helping customers reduce costs, cut emissions, and unlock insights that were once out of reach. 

Our team of ocean scientists builds innovative models to assimilate the observations made by the Spotter network into our marine weather forecasts, which are up to 50% more accurate than traditional models. These forecasts help power our Wayfinder Platform, which Captains and operators use to optimize voyages for time, fuel, emissions, and safety.

 

How does Sofar Ocean’s core business support sustainable shipping?

Leading maritime shipping companies like MOL Group, Berge Bulk, and Star Bulk use Sofar Ocean’s Wayfinder Platform to access dynamic voyage planning and optimization powered by the most accurate ocean intelligence. Wayfinder sends daily optimized speed and route guidance to vessels, helping them save time, fuel, and emissions. In 2025, Wayfinder saved operators an average of 6.9% on fuel per voyage, cumulatively avoiding emissions equivalent to the removal of 37,100 cars from the road for a year.

Why did Sofar Ocean join BWBS as an ambassador?

Sofar Ocean’s mission is to connect the world’s oceans to power a more sustainable future. We believe that our close partnerships with maritime shipping companies make us a natural fit for the ambassador program. 

Operators trust our Wayfinder Platform to deliver safe and efficient voyage guidance, including during transits of voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones. 

 “We are confident that collaboration between Sofar Ocean, BWBS, and the broader shipping industry can accelerate the adoption of smarter sailing strategies in whale hotspots around the world.”

Learn more: 

https://www.sofarocean.com/products/wayfinder 

https://www.sofarocean.com/