The partnership integrates Viam’s AI technology with Rivertrace’s oil-in-water monitors to improves environmental compliance aboard commercial vessels
Viam, the software platform for marine robotics and automation, have partnered with Rivertrace, the global leader in oil-in-water quality monitoring. The collaboration will modernise how critical environmental compliance data is captured and managed aboard commercial maritime vessels, helping operators meet stringent regulatory requirements with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Rivertrace’s monitors measure oil content in water discharge, ensuring vessels across marine, offshore, and industrial sectors are in compliance with stringent environmental regulations. Historically, critical compliance data including oil levels, flow rates, and GPS coordinates from Rivertrace monitors has been recorded manually, creating risk of inaccuracies. Discrepancies in oil-in-water logs can lead to ship detention, port delays, and costly compliance violations. Viam provides the infrastructure and AI models to digitally capture precise, real-time data from Rivertrace monitors, enhancing regulatory adherence, streamlining operations, and reducing ocean pollution.
“Rivertrace has been a true leader in maritime environmental compliance monitoring for over 40 years,” said Viam Founder and CEO, Eliot Horowitz. “The Viam platform brings new levels of accuracy and compliance assurance to Rivertrace’s systems, directly benefiting fleet operators, the industry, and the planet.”
Maritime vessels must strictly maintain discharge oil content below internationally mandated thresholds, typically 15 parts per million (ppm), and the industry is moving toward even stricter standards to protect marine life and ensure clean water. The Rivertrace and Viam collaboration addresses this critical challenge, helping the industry meet evolving environmental goals without disrupting day-to-day operations. A patent application titled Marine Data Recording Apparatus and Method was published by the UK Intellectual Property Office on October 1, 2025, recognising the advancement achieved through this solution and its contribution to modernising maritime compliance technology.
“Working with Viam has given us a future proof solution. The partnership highlights the benefits of the digital ecosystem within marine, automating previously manual transactions,” said Rivertrace Managing Director, Martin Saunders. “Compliance is a key objective for our customers. We look forward to implementing the solution, providing tangible value for our customers.”
Viam helps companies add cutting-edge capabilities to existing systems and build new ones fast by integrating AI, data and automation. Viam works across the marine sector unlocking operational efficiencies for boat manufacturers and fleet operators while advancing ocean conservation priorities.
In conservation, its work includes restoring oyster populations in New York Harbor in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project and preventing whale strikes through real-time monitoring with The Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce (WAVS).
Viam was launched in 2020 by Eliot Horowitz, former co-founder and CTO of publicly traded database giant MongoDB. Earlier this year, the company closed a Series C funding round led by Union Square Ventures and joined by European investment firm Neurone. Viam continues to expand its footprint across the U.S. and Europe, including partnerships with leading global manufacturers and marine tech organisations in the U.K., Italy, and Norway. In November, Viam introduced its robotic block sanding system and surface-finishing capabilities to European boatbuilders at Metstrade 2025 in Amsterdam, further expanding its automation work in the region. The system is now on display at Viam’s new R+D centre in Italy, a hub for collaboration with European manufacturers.
