ONE Partners with MTI to Establish 'QUAVEO' Joint Venture in HCMC: Leveraging AI to Drive Digital Transformation in Shipping

Ocean Network Express (ONE) and MTI Ltd. have officially launched the technology joint venture QUAVEO in Ho Chi Minh City to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve complex operational challenges and drive comprehensive digital transformation for the global container shipping industry.

One-Innovation-vessel

In a move affirming Vietnam's technological position on the global maritime map, Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) and MTI Ltd. (MTI) announced the establishment of a joint venture named “QUAVEO Company Limited” (QUAVEO) in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2025.

The core objective of this new entity is to promote Digital Transformation (DX) in operational processes and business models through the application of AI technology. By synergizing the strengths of both parties, QUAVEO aims to lead the DX progression in the container shipping industry and create new use cases for AI applications.

Strategic Context: When Shipping Needs a Digital "Brain"

ONE, currently operating a fleet of over 260 vessels connecting 120 countries, faces an urgent need to adopt technology to respond to diversifying markets, optimize efficiency, and enhance customer experience. The shipping industry is at a pivotal stage to overcome challenges regarding labor shortages, decarbonization requirements, and maritime safety.

Meanwhile, MTI brings extensive experience in providing services to consumers and local governments, along with deep expertise in AI technology. Their goal is to realize "AI-driven DX" - transforming business models with AI at the core, rather than merely digitizing processes.

QUAVEO was born as a combination of ONE's extensive practical knowledge in the container shipping industry and MTI's know-how in AI human resource development.

5 Pillars of QUAVEO’s Operations

The new joint venture will focus on the following key business activities:

1. Develop Operation Optimization Solutions: Enhancing sophistication in vessel allocation plans, equipment operation, and the efficiency of logistics processes.

2. Enhance Customer Experience: Automating inquiry responses using AI and providing personalized services.

3. Business Automation: Utilizing AI Agents to handle back-office and routine tasks, allowing employees to concentrate on higher value-added work.

4. AI Talent Development: Supporting the development of AI personnel at client companies and constructing sustainable DX promotion systems.

5. Provide Solutions to Third Parties: Expanding the sale of AI solutions not only to the shipping industry but also to distribution, manufacturing, and other sectors.

The name "QUAVEO" is a combination of positive elements: QUality, QUantity, Idea (represented by 'VE' structurally in the concept), and Evolution. It is designed to create a unified identity for the international team, including personnel in Vietnam.

Future Outlook: Moving Beyond the Pilot Phase

In the context of exploding business data, the biggest challenge is moving from the Proof of Concept (PoC) stage to real-world solutions that generate revenue. QUAVEO leverages its strength in agility to rapidly apply cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), aiming to expand services beyond the maritime scope.

Sharing the vision of the joint venture, leaders from both sides emphasized the role of technology and talent.

Mr. Ichiro Igari, Managing Executive Officer of MTI Ltd., stated: "MTI has strengthened the AI development and data science team launched at our Vietnamese subsidiary, MTI Technology, and has proceeded with business implementation mainly for our own services. In that process, we met ONE and gained the opportunity to utilize our AI development capabilities in real businesses that move people, goods, and money on a large scale. Currently, the ability to flexibly conceive ideas from a business perspective regarding AI technology, which is evolving at an unprecedented speed, is required in the market. In the new company, we will create results in the container shipping and healthcare businesses and realize business transformation through the latest AI technology for a wider range of client companies."

Following his partner, Mr. Kenichi Michida, Senior Vice President of Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd., affirmed: "ONE has built a strong relationship with MTI over many years, and as a result, we have already developed multiple solutions in-house. In the container shipping industry, the need for service quality improvement and operational efficiency utilizing AI and LLM is rapidly increasing. Through the establishment of this new company, we intend to introduce highly competitive AI/LLM solutions that meet these needs more rapidly and on a larger scale than ever before, and actively proceed with securing excellent AI talent."

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