Products & services

Ambassador first cruise line to install Zelim's MOB detection and tracking system

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 03 April 2025 03 April 2025

Zelim’s intelligent detection system, ZOE, is to be installed aboard Ambassador Cruise Lines’ 48,123-gross-ton cruise ship Ambition, marking the first operational reference for the revolutionary technology in the global cruise ship sector.

The Edinburgh-based maritime safety and security technology pioneer is fitting out the 1,200-passenger capacity cruise ship with a full ZOE installation to deliver instantaneous detection and tracking of persons in the water following man overboard (MOB) incidents.

The installation – comprising multiple infrared and daylight cameras, sensors and software to provide crews with 360° visibility – dramatically increases the likelihood of both spotting and recovering an MOB.

Ambassador Cruise Lines’ COO Nick Hughes said: “With the safety of our passengers and crews our foremost concern we were keen to put ZOE onboard. ZOE gives our passengers and crew piece of mind that in the rare event of a MOB incident bridge teams are immediately alerted to a person falling overboard, with the person tracked until rescued. It allows us to direct an immediate and rapid rescue response. What we also like about the system is that it can be used to alert our watchkeepers to hard-to-see navigational hazards.”

Stewart Gregory, Zelim’s Chief Operating Officer said: “The decision by Ambassador Cruise Lines to install ZOE is an important milestone in maritime safety. Ambition shows the passenger ship sector there is now proven technology available that mitigates the risk of losing lives to MOB incidents, especially in rough seas and in hours of darkness.”

This is particularly important for the cruise sector since the US Vessel Security and Safety Act (2010) requires passenger vessels “to integrate technology that can be used for detecting passengers who have fallen overboard”. With advances in AI technology this is now possible.

“Man overboard detection is an emergent technology, but most existing solutions focus solely on detecting the fall, not on tracking the person in the water. Without continuous tracking, a drifting casualty can be quickly lost from view as the vessel moves, making a successful rescue far more challenging,” said Doug Lothian, Zelim’s CTO.

“One of the biggest challenges following an incident is determining exactly when and where a person entered the water. ZOE’s AI-powered detection models not only identify and classify a person as they fall, automatically alerting the bridge, but continuously tracks them as they drift. It provides precise geo-location data, enabling bridge teams to coordinate and accelerate the rescue effort with greater accuracy.”

ZOE has been undergoing independent testing aboard the Ambition to meet the ISO 21195 standard for the detection of persons falling overboard. The technology also recently passed Lloyd’s Register Phase I & II type approval tests with a 98% MOB detection rate.

“First and second phase trials have been a huge success and LR will now move ahead with Phase III of the certification process,” said Stewart Gregory. “This delivers further confidence to cruise lines that ZOE reduces the risk of persons falling overboard going undetected and lost at sea. ZOE represents the single greatest technological advancement to reducing lives lost to man overboard incidents.”

While MOB detection and tracking are ZOE’s primary focus, Ambassador Cruise Lines’ decision to install additional forward-facing cameras points to the technology’s wider multi-functional capabilities.

“ZOE’s advanced cameras and sensors also identify navigational hazards such as semi-submerged objects, vessels of all sizes, and low radar cross-section threats that pose risks to safety and ship security. This enhances overall situational awareness for watchkeepers and bridge teams,” said Lothian.

Zelim will be showcasing ZOE and other safety solutions this month at the Seatrade Global Cruise event, which takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida, between the 7th and 10th of April. Zelim representatives will be demonstrating the technology on Booth 3543.

Heineken commemorative can for the cruise sector celebrates sail 2025

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 20 March 2025 20 March 2025

Heineken is launching two commemorative limited edition collectors’ can designs to mark SAIL 2025 (20-24 August 2025), the world’s largest nautical event, celebrating participating cultures with maritime vessels, crew and visitors from all around the globe. Heineken is a major sponsor of the festival’s night-time entertainment with the SAIL ON STAGE series.

Available exclusively in the Cruise sector in the Americas region from February to July 2025 and in European region from April to July 2025, the 12 fl oz cans feature ocean-inspired graphics. They are a contemporary celebration of the central role of water and the maritime industry in the long histories of both Amsterdam and the Heineken® brand.

The Port of Amsterdam has played a remarkable role in world history as a trading port and a pivotal role in the export of Heineken to the global stage. Gerard Heineken’s 1864 launch of his first brewery was just a few metres from the Amsterdam waterways that would be used to transport his premium beer to markets around the world.

The new cans incorporate digital engagement (via QR code) transporting the cruise guest on a Heineken journey, sharing the rich heritage of the brand with the chance to win a spectacular summer weekend in Amsterdam during the SAIL 2025 festival. The competition prize also includes a VIP visit to the Heineken® Experience with an iconic canal cruise to enjoy the festival up close at water level, sailing alongside the 10,000 vessels expected to arrive from ports around the world.

Christian Klimpke, Global Account Manager Cruises, HEINEKEN, remarks: “This is the first time we have created a limited edition for the Cruise sector to create excitement, intrigue and engagement for consumers and for crew. The Heineken SAIL can concept is a perfect way for us to share our pride in our home city and its vital role in the development of the Heineken brand. Water is elemental in the history and character of both Amsterdam and the heritage of Heineken too, from its role as one of the three ingredients in our beer, to the brand’s journeys across the oceans to reach over 190 countries.  

“There is also a natural synergy with our cruise business, which is a key focus for HEINEKEN as we seek to continue driving sales with engaging innovations like this that also bring added value to our cruise line partners. In planning the SAIL campaign we are going beyond simply offering a ‘fun new can design’ by adopting a holistic approach that resonates with the heritage of both Heineken® and our home city of Amsterdam.”

Foreship UK surpasses 100 projects milestone with further plans for growth

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 27 March 2025 27 March 2025

Foreship UK has completed its 100th project, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the naval architecture and marine engineering firm’s UK presence since launching in 2022.

The accomplishment highlights the robust demand in the UK for Foreship's specialist knowledge in newbuilding, conversions, and sustainability. Foreship UK has collaborated with some of the largest shipowners and operators in the UK, across the cruise, ferry, and wider maritime industries, successfully establishing long-term agreements. The scope of these projects has been extensive, encompassing a variety of services that include energy efficiency technologies, alternative fuel solutions, ship theory and stability assessments, naval architecture, and initiatives related to electrical and machinery systems.

“Reaching our 100th project milestone highlights the impact Foreship UK has made in a relatively short time,” said Shaun White, Managing Director, Foreship UK. “We are proud to support our customers in addressing today’s regulatory and technical challenges and would like to express our immense gratitude for the trust they have placed in us. Our local presence enables us to foster close relationships that ensure we can continue to deliver value to the UK maritime community.”

Foreship UK’s growing project portfolio demonstrates how a local team can support a sustainable maritime industry with independent technical expertise and a deep understanding of both regulatory requirements and practical implementation.

“The UK’s maritime, ship design, and engineering heritage, along with its leadership in research and deep talent pool, have enabled Foreship UK to become a valuable contributor to the wider Foreship Group,” said Lauri Haavisto, CEO, Foreship Group Ltd. “This success reinforces our commitment to providing independent technical expertise to shipowners in the UK and globally.”

Foreship actively contributes to the UK’s role as a center of excellence for maritime education, engaging with industry bodies and programs such as the Society of Maritime Industries, Maritime UK, Innovate UK, IMarEST conference programs, and the Maritime Futures Forum, while forging links with UK maritime universities and research institutes. These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to support the development of future naval architects, marine engineers, and maritime professionals.

From its Southampton base, Foreship is strategically positioned to assist UK ship owners and operators in navigating regulatory and technical advancements. The company aims to grow its UK workforce throughout 2025, targeting both recent graduates and seasoned professionals. Additionally, Foreship plans to broaden its influence in the merchant marine sector, building on its achievements in the cruise and ferry industries.

V.Ships Leisure to manage new Orient Express sailing yachts

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 18 March 2025 18 March 2025

V.Ships Leisure, part of V.Group, has announced its partnership with Orient Express Sailing Yachts for the management of two groundbreaking sailing yachts. This collaboration covers crew, technical and hotel management to ensure a seamless, sustainable and luxurious onboard experience for passengers.

Managed from Monaco by V.Ships Leisure, the first vessel, Orient Express Corinthian, will be the world’s largest sailing yacht, featuring hybrid LNG propulsion and AI-driven noise reduction technology. It will enter service in June 2026, sailing across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean. Orient Express Olympian will follow in 2027.

Per Bjornsen, CEO of V.Ships Leisure, commented: “We are honoured to partner with Orient Express on this revolutionary maritime project, where exceptional design meets cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

“Our role is much more than a ship manager. By working in close partnership with our clients, building a strategic and collaborative relationship, we are providing real value and impact. At a time when the industry is getting more and more complex, we have the agility to support small and medium-sized companies in the hospitality space, whilst providing the scale of a global business. It’s a real win-win for all.”

Florian Richard, Fleet Director of Orient Express Sailing Yachts added: “V.Ships Leisure shares our commitment to excellence and our vision for a refined, sustainable travel experience.”