RippleGo - An AI-based Voyage Planner for US Inland Waterways

Abstract

RippleGo (https://www.ripplego.com) is an AI-based Software-as-a-Service application that makes voyages along the US Inland Waterways (IWS) safe and efficient. These voyages require enormous planning and data collection processes. Existing mariner data is available in disparate locations and lacks predictive or forecasting information. This makes a mariner’s voyage planning processes manual, ad-hoc, and present-minded. RippleGo utilizes two AI-based predictive technologies. The first technology is a deep learning based algorithm to forecast river levels. Advanced knowledge of river levels help in planning cargo loads and safely navigating under bridges and through locks. The second AI technology is a machine learning based technology that predicts time taken to travel from one point to any other point along the waterways. Advanced information on travel time will enable mariners to provide accurate ETAs to customers and port terminals and improve supply chain reliability. RippleGo combines the two methodologies to provide efficient voyage plans with better situational awareness, safety alerts (through Bridge Air Gap (BAG) and Under Keel Clearances (UKC)), improved reliability of delivery, and better utilization of water transportation ports and terminals.