AI Agent to Fix Global Shipping Snags

A "rolled" container, one that fails to get loaded onto its scheduled vessel, is a pervasive issue in ocean freight. At major transshipment ports, rollover rates have historically fluctuated between 20% and 40%, with some individual ports experiencing rates above 50% during peak disruption. Carriers like Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and ONE have reported rollover rates exceeding 50% in times of high congestion. The primary reasons for rolled cargo include vessel overbooking, customs delays, and incorrect documentation. When a container is rolled, shippers can face a cascade of additional expenses, including storage fees, demurrage, and rebooking costs, which can be around €100 per container for some carriers. These disruptions create significant downstream supply chain delays and ripple effects. The problem is compounded by ongoing geopolitical instability. In early 2026, Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea resumed after a brief pause, again threatening a critical maritime corridor that normally handles 10-15% of global seaborne trade. This forces ships to reroute around Africa, adding 10-14 days to voyages and increasing fuel costs significantly. Since November 2023, there have been over one hundred attacks on commercial and naval ships in the region. The renewed threat of attack at the Bab al-Mandab chokepoint has caused transit to be down by over 50% year-over-year, forcing companies to once again divert their fleets and adding to global supply chain unpredictability. The AI Ocean Exceptions Agent operates within this volatile environment by monitoring shipments at transshipment ports and confirming roll risks directly with carriers. By using AI to identify potential disruptions and present alternative voyage options, the system aims to reduce the hours of manual work required for rebooking. This technology is part of a broader trend of artificial intelligence adoption in the supply chain sector. The global market for AI in supply chain was valued at nearly $10 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow significantly, with some estimates predicting it will reach over $236 billion by 2035. This growth is driven by the need for greater efficiency, predictive analytics, and resilience against disruptions. While project44 is a key player, it competes with other visibility and AI logistics platforms like FourKites, GoComet, and Descartes. Each platform offers various solutions, from real-time tracking to predictive analytics, aiming to provide businesses with better control over their shipping operations amid increasing global uncertainty.