The Scottish company Zelim, specializing in maritime safety technology, has installed the first AI-driven man overboard (MOB) detection system on a cruise ship. The innovative system, known as ZOE, has been deployed aboard Ambition, a 48,123-gross-ton vessel operated by Ambassador Cruise Lines.
ZOE integrates infrared and daylight cameras, sensors, and intelligent software to provide the bridge officers with 360° continuous surveillance. Unlike traditional MOB systems, which primarily focus on detecting a fall, ZOE’s advanced AI-powered models can both identify and track individuals who go overboard.
Nick Hughes, Chief Operating Officer of Ambassador Cruise Lines, said that passengers and crew safety is the company’s top priority. He added that the installation of ZOE ensures that if an overboard incident occurs, the system immediately alerts the bridge and continuously tracks the person until rescue operations are completed.
Enhanced MOB Response and Tracking
Zelim’s Chief Technology Officer, Doug Lothian, highlighted that ZOE provides an unprecedented advantage by not only detecting MOB incidents but also tracking the individual in real-time. He pointed out that traditional systems often lose sight of a drifting casualty as the ship moves forward, making successful rescues difficult. ZOE addresses this issue by using precise geo-location data, enabling bridge teams to rapidly and accurately coordinate recovery efforts.
ZOE is currently undergoing trials aboard Ambition to comply with ISO 21195 safety standards for MOB detection. The system has already demonstrated an impressive 98% detection rate in Lloyd’s Register Phase I and II certification tests.
A Step Forward in Maritime Safety
Stewart Gregory, Chief Operating Officer of Zelim, praised Ambassador Cruise Lines for pioneering the adoption of AI-driven MOB detection. He said that Ambition’s deployment of ZOE sets an industry precedent, proving that cruise lines can now access reliable solutions to mitigate the risk of passengers or crew members being lost at sea—especially in harsh weather conditions or nighttime scenarios.
The ZOE system will be showcased at Seatrade Global Cruise in Miami, Florida, from April 7–10, 2025. The event is expected to attract widespread interest from cruise companies to enhance their safety measures with AI-driven technology.
With its high detection accuracy, real-time tracking, and expanded functionality, ZOE is a major advancement in maritime safety, setting a new standard for cruise lines worldwide.
