Zelim’s pioneering man-overboard detection system ZOE to be installed on four of BC Ferries’ new hybrid-electric vessels
Zelim, a maritime safety and security innovator, has secured a contract to supply its ZOE man-overboard (MOB) detection system for installation on four hybrid-electric ferries being built for Canadian operator BC Ferries.
The agreement, marking the first collaboration between the companies, was finalised in February 2026, with installation of the technology expected to commence 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 currently 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 harnesses advanced computer vision and video analytics to deliver 360-degree surveillance for vessel crew. The AI-enabled system is trained on a proprietary maritime dataset of over 9.5 million annotated objects and designed to detect man-overboard incidents instantaneously, in compliance with the international standard for shipborne man-overboard detection systems, ISO 21195:2020. ZOE has been independently tested by Lloyd’s Register to detect both adults and children – day and night – helping to ensure the safety of passengers and crew alike.
MOB incidents in the maritime industry are often unwitnessed. Without a reliable, swift way of detecting a MOB incident, there could be significant delays before a crew or rescue authorities realise that someone is missing – which critically reduces the chances of a successful rescue. With its capabilities, ZOE substantially improves detection rates at sea, increasing the likelihood of lives being saved.
The partnership follows a strong period of growth for Zelim, who recently announced the launch of its defence business unit and the expansion of its senior leadership team.
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. 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.”
“Safety is our first priority throughout the entire organisation,” said Ed Hooper, BC Ferries’ Head of Fleet Renewal. “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.”
