Zelim wins BC Ferries man-overboard system contract

Zelim will supply its man-overboard detection system for four new hybrid-electric vessels operated by BC Ferries, marking the first agreement between the two companies.

The system, known as ZOE, will be installed on ferries being built under BC Ferries' New Major Vessels programme. The ships are due to replace four end-of-life vessels in the operator's fleet.

BC Ferries operates 37 vessels across 25 routes serving 47 terminals along coastal British Columbia. The new ships are scheduled to enter service from 2029.

The contract expands the use of Zelim's detection technology in the passenger ferry market. The Edinburgh-based company specialises in systems for search, rescue and maritime security operations.

Detection system

ZOE is designed to monitor the water around a vessel and alert crew if a person goes overboard. It provides 360-degree surveillance and uses computer vision and video analytics trained on a maritime dataset of more than 9.5 million annotated objects.

The technology complies with ISO 21195:2020, the international standard for shipborne man-overboard detection systems. According to Zelim, Lloyd's Register independently tested the system for detecting adults and children in both daylight and darkness.

Man-overboard incidents at sea often go unnoticed when they happen, delaying the response from crew and rescue authorities. In passenger ferry operations, operators have sought systems that can reduce that delay, as search areas widen quickly over time.

Zelim said the system was developed for maritime conditions including changing weather, low light, vessel motion and visually complex backgrounds. Those factors can make visual monitoring difficult for crew alone.

Fleet renewal

The order is part of BC Ferries' wider fleet replacement effort. The operator is renewing parts of its network with hybrid-electric vessels as older ships approach the end of their service lives.

For Zelim, the contract comes during a period of expansion. The company recently launched a defence unit and broadened its senior leadership team.

Sam Mayall, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zelim, said: "We look forward to building a strong partnership with BC Ferries as we deliver our technology to their New Major Vessels. Securing this multi-vessel rollout is a significant milestone for Zelim, demonstrating the growing value of our ZOE technology for passenger ships. It also reflects the positive momentum we're continuing to build with vessel operators in the ferry sector - and more broadly across the North American market."

BC Ferries said the installation forms part of its wider approach to onboard safety as it updates its fleet. The operator has positioned safety measures as a central part of the vessel renewal programme.

Ed Hooper, Head of Fleet Renewal at BC Ferries, said: "Safety is our first priority throughout the entire organization. We look forward to working with Zelim to incorporate this innovative technology into our New Major Vessels as we modernize our fleet and further strengthen the safety of our passengers and crews."