Abu Dhabi’s Al Seer Marine has become the first UAE maritime company to introduce an AI-powered board observer, part of a wider digital transformation drive across the business.
The system, named NOVA (Neural Oversight & Virtual Automation), acts as a non-voting observer that is intended to bolster boardroom discussions through live queries, scenario modelling, budgeting support and oversight of subsidiaries and joint ventures, the ADX-listed company explained.
Developed by Aleria, NOVA consolidates fragmented financial, operational and market data into real-time insights. The system uses AI to learn continuously, detect anomalies, and deliver predictive insights, giving the board smarter oversight to improve vessel readiness and safety.
“AI is becoming foundational to Al Seer Marine’s operational DNA,” said chief executive Guy Neivens, adding that the launch of NOVA represents the next step in embedding AI into every part of the company’s operations, from fleet management and shipbuilding to unmanned surface vessels and advanced manufacturing.
The deployment forms part of Al Seer Marine’s AI transformation strategy, which aims to position artificial intelligence at the core of future shipbuilding, fleet management, logistics and unmanned vessel development.
NOVA builds on the work of parent company International Holding Company (IHC), which introduced its own AI observer, Aiden Insight, in 2024.
By applying the model in the maritime domain, Al Seer Marine said it gains predictive fleet performance data, supply chain intelligence, and board-level visibility of capital structure and regulatory alignment.
The company added that the system will also help optimise fleet utilisation, cut operating costs, streamline shipbuilding, and strengthen supply chain resilience, while opening opportunities for new digital services in yacht management and unmanned vessel manufacturing.
