Zelim’s ZOE system deployed on Ambassador Cruise Lines ship

Zelim has reported that its AI-based man overboard (MOB) detection and tracking system, ZOE, is being installed on the Ambition, a 48,123 grt cruise ship operated by UK-based Ambassador Cruise Lines.

The Ambition, which has a capacity of 1,200 passengers, will be the first operational deployment of ZOE in the cruise sector.

According to Zelim, the installation includes infrared and daylight cameras, sensors and supporting software to provide continuous 360° visibility from the bridge.

Ambassador Cruise Lines’ Chief Operating Officer, 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.”

Tracking capabilities designed to improve MOB response

According to Zelim, ZOE detects a person falling overboard and continuously tracks them in the water, delivering geo-location data to support coordinated rescue operations.

Zelim’s Chief Technology Officer, Doug Lothian, said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

System undergoes testing for international safety standards

ZOE is currently being tested aboard Ambition to meet ISO 21195 standards for detecting persons falling overboard.

Zelim reported that the system recently achieved a 98 percent detection rate during Lloyd’s Register Phase I and II type approval tests.

Zelim’s Chief Operating Officer, Stewart Gregory, said: “First and second phase trials have been a huge success and LR will now move ahead with Phase III of the certification process.

“This delivers further confidence to cruise lines that ZOE reduces the risk of persons falling overboard going undetected and lost at sea.”

Gregory also stated: “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.”

Additional functionality includes navigational hazard detection

In addition to MOB monitoring, the installation on Ambition includes forward-facing cameras to expand the system’s use beyond overboard incidents.

Zelim said the technology can also detect objects such as semi-submerged debris, small vessels and other low radar cross-section hazards.

This aims to enhance bridge team situational awareness and support navigation safety.

Nick Hughes said: “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.”

Doug Lothian added: “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.”

AI detection system ZOE fitted to cruise ship Ambition: Summary

Zelim is installing its man overboard detection and tracking system ZOE on Ambassador Cruise Lines’ cruise ship Ambition.

The 48,123 grt ship, with a capacity of 1,200 passengers, is the first cruise vessel to be fitted with ZOE.

The system uses AI-powered infrared and daylight cameras, as well as software and sensors, to detect, classify and track individuals who fall overboard.

ZOE also provides real-time geo-location data to improve rescue operations.

The system is undergoing testing to meet ISO 21195 standards and has passed Lloyd’s Register Phase I and II type approval trials with a 98 percent detection rate.

Zelim’s representatives said the technology helps locate and track MOB casualties and detect navigational hazards such as semi-submerged objects and low radar cross-section vessels.

The system will be showcased at Seatrade Global Cruise in Miami, Florida, from 7–10 April 2025.