New Zelim base in Canada supports maritime market growth
Iain Hoey
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Zelim expands in Atlantic Canada
Zelim has opened new premises in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with the site set to serve as its Atlantic Canada base from April 2026.
Zelim announced that the office will be located at the COVE ocean facility, which it described as a technology hub for maritime innovation.
The company said the site will support ongoing partnerships and future opportunities in the region for its AI-enabled technologies designed for safety and security operations at sea.
The move follows activity in the Canadian cruise, ferry and defence sectors.
In 2024, Zelim demonstrated its man-overboard detection and monitoring system, ZOE, to the Canadian Coast Guard and other maritime partners.
In 2025, the company was selected for the NATO DIANA Phase II programme, through which ZOE was used in a NATO naval exercise and introduced to the Royal Canadian Navy.
Zelim also secured a commercial contract with BC Ferries in February 2026 to equip four new-build ferries with its ZOE technology.
Leadership and regional plans
Zelim said the Canada office will be led by its newly appointed regional Vice President, Brigadier General (Retired) Tom Dunne.
Dunne has served as a search and rescue leader with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Coast Guard.
Sam Mayall, Zelim’s Founder and CEO, said: “Given the scale and complexity of its maritime domain and the operational challenges associated with remote and harsh environments, Canada is a strategically important market for Zelim’s maritime detection and automated alerting capabilities.
“With a number of partnerships and agreements already in place in North America, and significant potential for future development, establishing this office base and bringing Tom on board were the next logical steps in our growth journey, with a view to a long-term presence and economic contribution in the region.”
Melanie Nadeau, CEO of COVE, said: “Zelim’s expansion into Canada is an important step for the maritime industry.
“Since first connecting with COVE in 2024 through Innovate UK’s Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator, Zelim has demonstrated the innovation and expertise that strengthen the sector.
“Its Canadian presence will enable new partnerships, foster collaboration, and deliver maritime detection and automated alerting solutions, with COVE supporting access to an ecosystem designed for growth and opportunity.”
Zelim said the new office follows the launch of a defence business unit and additions to its senior leadership team as it continues its international expansion.