Maritime · head to head
Orca AI vs Terminal49
The short version
- Only Terminal49 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Orca AI requires the SeaPod unit installed on the bridge, so it is a fitted system rather than software a fleet can simply subscribe to; Terminal49 aPI access and webhooks start at the Essential plan
- They diverge on capability: Orca AI covers Computer vision detection, Terminal49 covers Automated tracking.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Orca AI and Terminal49 actually diverge.
| Attribute | Orca AI | Terminal49 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $2000/month | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Maritime Hardware | Web, Api |
| Founded | 2018 | 2019 |
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maritime).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Orca AI
- Computer vision detection
- Navigation assistance
- Collision avoidance
- Situational awareness
- Bridge systems
- ECDIS
- Radar systems
- Embedded support
Only in Terminal49
- Automated tracking
- Terminal appointments
- Demurrage alerts
- Customer portals
- TMS platforms
- Carrier websites
- Terminal systems
- Api support
Both cover
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Orca AI
- Automated lookout and marine target detection in congested or low visibility watersnot Terminal49
- Bridge situational awareness and collision alertingnot Terminal49
- Fleet-wide safety compliance monitoring through FleetViewnot Terminal49
- Perception for autonomous and unmanned vesselsnot Terminal49
- GPS spoofing detection and crew training reviewnot Terminal49
Terminal49
- Tracking ocean containers and shipments across carriers and terminalsnot Orca AI
- Feeding container milestones into an internal system over an APInot Orca AI
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Orca AI
- Requires the SeaPod unit installed on the bridge, so it is a fitted system rather than software a fleet can simply subscribe to
- Aimed at commercial fleets, defence and insurers rather than individual vessel owners
- Pricing is not published and is arranged through the vendor
Terminal49
- API access and webhooks start at the Essential plan
- The free plan is limited to 3 users and 50 document credits
- The Lite and Complete plans require an annual contract
- No plan above the free tier publishes a price, so every paid tier requires contacting sales
Pricing, plan by plan
Orca AI
$2000/month- Fleet$5000/month
- AI navigation assistance
- Object detection
- Fleet analytics
Terminal49
Free- Pro$299/month
- Unlimited tracking
- Terminal data
- API access
Which should you pick?
Choose Orca AI if
- You need computer vision detection.
- You work on Web, Maritime Hardware.
- You also want navigation assistance.
Choose Terminal49 if
- You need automated tracking.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Api.
- You also want terminal appointments.
Questions people ask
- Is Orca AI or Terminal49 better?
- Neither clearly leads. Orca AI starts at $2000/month and Terminal49 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Orca AI or Terminal49?
- Terminal49 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $2000/month for Orca AI and Free for Terminal49.
- Does Orca AI or Terminal49 run on more platforms?
- Orca AI runs on Web, Maritime Hardware. Terminal49 runs on Web, Api.
- Can I use Terminal49 for free?
- Yes. Terminal49 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Orca AI starts at $2000/month.
- What is Orca AI best used for?
- Orca AI is most often used for automated lookout and marine target detection in congested or low visibility waters, bridge situational awareness and collision alerting, fleet-wide safety compliance monitoring through fleetview, perception for autonomous and unmanned vessels. Of those, automated lookout and marine target detection in congested or low visibility waters and bridge situational awareness and collision alerting are not what Terminal49 is typically brought in for.
- What can Orca AI do that Terminal49 cannot?
- Orca AI covers Computer vision detection, Navigation assistance, Collision avoidance, Situational awareness. Terminal49 covers Automated tracking, Terminal appointments, Demurrage alerts, Customer portals. Both handle Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Orca AI: What are Orca AI's core capabilities?
Orca AI uses AI-based sensor fusion and computer vision for autonomous maritime navigation. It provides situational awareness for ship navigation, detection of vessels and hazards, and real-time decision support for crew in congested waters and low visibility conditions.
SourceTerminal49: Is there a free plan available?
Yes, Terminal49 offers a Free Forever plan with no commitment required. It includes up to 3 users, basic shipment tracking, and 50 document credits.
SourceOrca AI: Has Orca AI powered any commercial autonomous voyages?
Yes, Orca AI powered the world's first commercial autonomous voyage in 2022, demonstrating the viability of autonomous shipping technology at commercial scale.
SourceTerminal49: What plans require payment?
Terminal49 offers four tiers: Free (free forever), Lite (annual contract), Essential (annual or pay-as-you-go), and Complete (annual contract). Lite, Essential, and Complete require direct contact with sales for pricing.
SourceOrca AI: What is Orca AI's safety record?
Orca AI's alert system has led to a 54% decrease in close encounter incidents, contributing to enhanced voyage safety and reduced accelerations during voyages.
SourceTerminal49: What features are in the Essential plan?
Essential (Most Popular) includes unlimited users, full shipment & container dashboards, API access & webhooks, intermodal rail tracking, container assignments, and team collaboration features. It offers both annual contract and pay-as-you-go billing options.
SourceRelated pages
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