BC Ferries selects Zelim rescue detection system for new ferries

Zelim secures ferry detection contract

Zelim has secured a contract to supply its ZOE man-overboard (MOB) detection system to four hybrid-electric ferries being built for British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).

Zelim announced the contract on 25 March, stating that the partnership was agreed in February 2026 and that installation is expected to begin in 2027.

The hybrid-electric New Major Vessels will replace four end-of-life vessels and are scheduled to start service in 2029.

BC Ferries operates 37 vessels across 25 routes serving 47 terminals across nearly 1000 miles (1,600 kilometres) of coastal British Columbia.

Developed by Zelim, ZOE MOB uses computer vision and video analytics to provide 360-degree surveillance for vessel crew.

The AI-enabled system is trained on a proprietary maritime dataset of over 9.5 million annotated objects.

It is designed to detect man-overboard incidents instantaneously, in compliance with ISO 21195:2020, the international standard for shipborne man-overboard detection systems.

ZOE has also been independently tested by Lloyd’s Register to detect adults and children during daytime and night-time conditions.

Zelim sets out vessel rollout details

Sam Mayall, Zelim’s Founder and CEO, said: “We look forward to building a strong partnership with BC Ferries as we deliver our technology to its New Major Vessels.

“It secures a multi-vessel rollout for Zelim and demonstrates 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.”

Ed Hooper, BC Ferries’ Head of Fleet Renewal, said: “Safety is our first priority throughout the entire organisation.

“We look forward to working with Zelim to incorporate this innovative technology into our New Major Vessels as we modernise our fleet and further strengthen the safety of our passengers and crews.”