ONE and MTI Establish AI-Focused Joint Venture QUAVEO in Vietnam

Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) and MTI Ltd. (MTI) have established a joint venture, QUAVEO Company Limited (QUAVEO), to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital transformation initiatives, with an initial focus on the container shipping sector. The company was incorporated in December 2025 and is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

QUAVEO has been set up to develop and deploy AI-driven solutions that support operational efficiency, business automation and customer experience improvement. The venture combines ONE’s operational expertise in container shipping with MTI’s experience in AI technology, data science and digital transformation.

Rationale for the joint venture

Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. operates a fleet of more than 260 vessels and provides container transport services connecting over 120 countries. As market demands diversify, the company is increasingly focused on improving efficiency, addressing labour shortages, supporting decarbonisation goals and enhancing service quality through digital technologies.

MTI Ltd. brings experience in providing digital services to consumers, corporations and local governments, as well as in applying AI technologies across business processes. MTI’s approach to “AI-driven DX” focuses on embedding AI at the core of business models and operational structures rather than limiting digitalisation to existing workflows.

QUAVEO has been established to apply these combined capabilities to problem-solving and value creation for customers, initially in shipping and logistics, while also developing AI talent with a strong understanding of real-world operational environments.

Business scope

According to the partners, QUAVEO’s activities will include:

• Operational optimisation for shipping: Development of AI-based solutions to improve vessel allocation planning, equipment operations and logistics processes.
• Customer experience enhancement: Deployment of AI tools to automate customer inquiries and deliver more personalised services.
• Business automation: Use of AI agents to automate back-office and routine tasks, enabling employees to focus on higher value-added work.
• AI talent development: Support for in-house AI capability building at client organisations, using MTI’s training and human resource development expertise.
• External AI solutions: Provision of AI development and data utilisation services not only for shipping, but also for sectors such as distribution and manufacturing.

Outlook for AI-driven digital transformation

The partners noted that while the volume of business data has increased significantly, many companies continue to struggle to convert these assets into commercial value. QUAVEO’s strategy is focused on moving beyond proof-of-concept projects to deploy AI solutions capable of operating at scale in complex, real-world environments.

The company plans to leverage technologies such as generative AI and large language models (LLMs), drawing on experience gained from joint AI development projects between ONE and MTI. Over time, QUAVEO intends to expand its services beyond the maritime sector into industries including manufacturing and distribution.

Executive commentary

Ichiro Igari, Managing Executive Officer of MTI Ltd. and CEO of QUAVEO, said:
“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.”

Kenichi Michida, Senior Vice President of ONE, said:
“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.”

Company overview

• Company name: QUAVEO Company Limited (Trade name: QUAVEO)
• Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Established: December 2025
• Capital: USD 1.6 million (approximately JPY 250 million)
• Shareholding: MTI 51%, ONE 49%
• CEO: Ichiro Igari
• Business focus: AI and data science-based solution development, digital transformation support and human resource development

Website: quaveoai.com