Products & services

SmartSea and Cruise Saudi pioneer the future of cruise travel with Aroya

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 05 April 2025 05 April 2025

SmartSea, a global leader in maritime technology, has outlined its pivotal role in the creation of the iconic Aroya, the first ever Arabian cruise line.

Back in 2023, SmartSea and its partners conducted a thorough assessment of the ship’s IT infrastructure and cybersecurity systems, working to upgrade and secure critical systems. They then looked to reinforce the ship’s infrastructure and connectivity, including a patchwork upgrade to the vessel’s systems, which ensured it could safely accommodate the crew and contractors onboard. This was crucial to prepare the vessel for its extensive modernisation, involving a complete overhaul of its IT and operational systems.

One of the most complex elements of this transformation has been the integration of a wide range of technology partners, including connectivity experts, cybersecurity professionals and specialised providers providing hotel management software. These have all played a critical role in delivering services such as satellite connectivity, digital signage, video-on-demand, and property management systems, ensuring a seamless guest experience on board.
Key features of the modernisation project include:

– Seamless Connectivity: The integration of 2,000+ access points across the ship, ensuring reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for guests across various regions, including the Red Sea and Mediterranean.

– Advanced Cybersecurity: Enhanced security measures to protect guest data, crew operations, and communication systems.

– Guest-Facing Technology: Full integration of passenger systems, including bookings, reservations, entertainment, food and beverage management, and onboard activities.

SmartSea’s efforts have focused heavily on ensuring that all systems, ranging from navigation and communication (NAVCOM) to crew management and guest-facing services, can operate seamlessly across the ship. This integration is essential for delivering an exceptional guest experience, with passengers able to effortlessly access entertainment, Wi-Fi, telephony, and other onboard services.

In addition to its technical expertise, SmartSea has played a critical role in vendor selection and procurement, carefully choosing partners to provide cutting-edge technology solutions. Under the guidance of SmartSea and in collaboration with Columbia blue, which manages the ship’s operations, this project has seen meticulous planning, budget management, legal reviews, and risk assessments.

Bilal Hussain, IT & Digitalisation Executive Director at Cruise Saudi, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) company which owns Aroya Cruises, commented: “Aroya is a pioneering, first-of-its-kind product and as such, we wanted to ensure an incredibly high standard across all elements of the operation. Partnering with SmartSea has enabled us to create a seamless experience behind the scenes, allowing our valuable guests to enjoy efficient Wi-Fi, easy on-board activity bookings and more. From its advanced technology to world-class facilities and impeccable on board hospitality, Aroya is setting the new standard in the global cruise industry.”

"We are proud to continue our collaboration with Cruise Saudi and Columbia blue to bring the vision of Aroya to life," added Julian Panter, CEO of SmartSea. "The combination of cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious experiences will make Aroya a beacon of innovation in the cruise industry."

SmartSea remains committed to providing ongoing operational support. This includes 24/7 help desk services and continued oversight of the IT ecosystem as the ship is now fully operational.

With Aroya poised to offer passengers an unrivalled, culturally rich cruise experience, the cruise ship of the future represents a key moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing cruise industry and is a testament to the nation’s ambition to redefine global luxury travel.

Telenor Maritime and Quvia collaborate to advance AI-driven connectivity in cruise and ferry sectors

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 04 April 2025 04 April 2025

Telenor Maritime and Quvia, an AI-powered QoE platform, are collaborating to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to optimize Telenor’s backhaul performance and enhance digital experiences for passengers and crew across the maritime industry.

As part of the initiative, the two companies will launch a Proof of Concept on Telenor Maritime’s Connectivity Platform. The project will incorporate Quvia’s AI-powered network management solution, Grid, to enable intelligent orchestration across Telenor’s hybrid network and support more cost-efficient bandwidth usage – while maintaining a high quality of experience (QoE) for passengers and crew.

“We believe AI can play a key role in enhancing the performance and cost-efficiency of our connectivity services,” says Kjetil Kjelstadli, Chief Product Officer at Telenor Maritime. “Through this collaboration with Quvia, we aim to bring measurable value to cruise and ferry operators as well as their passengers.”

“AI is helping solve some of the toughest connectivity challenges in the cruise and ferry markets,” said Benny Retnamony, founder & CEO at Quvia. “We’re working with Telenor Maritime to bring AI to the forefront – driving greater efficiency and better digital experiences for customers, passengers and crew, while laying the groundwork for smarter, more adaptive networks at sea.”

This initiative supports Telenor Maritime’s strategy to expand the capabilities of its Connectivity Platform and strengthen its offering in the cruise and ferry segments – and aligns with Quvia’s mission to transform connectivity and digital experiences across the maritime industry, with a focus on delivering value to customers and the people who rely on their services.

Foreship UK surpasses 100 projects milestone with further plans for growth

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 27 March 2025 27 March 2025

Foreship UK has completed its 100th project, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the naval architecture and marine engineering firm’s UK presence since launching in 2022.

The accomplishment highlights the robust demand in the UK for Foreship's specialist knowledge in newbuilding, conversions, and sustainability. Foreship UK has collaborated with some of the largest shipowners and operators in the UK, across the cruise, ferry, and wider maritime industries, successfully establishing long-term agreements. The scope of these projects has been extensive, encompassing a variety of services that include energy efficiency technologies, alternative fuel solutions, ship theory and stability assessments, naval architecture, and initiatives related to electrical and machinery systems.

“Reaching our 100th project milestone highlights the impact Foreship UK has made in a relatively short time,” said Shaun White, Managing Director, Foreship UK. “We are proud to support our customers in addressing today’s regulatory and technical challenges and would like to express our immense gratitude for the trust they have placed in us. Our local presence enables us to foster close relationships that ensure we can continue to deliver value to the UK maritime community.”

Foreship UK’s growing project portfolio demonstrates how a local team can support a sustainable maritime industry with independent technical expertise and a deep understanding of both regulatory requirements and practical implementation.

“The UK’s maritime, ship design, and engineering heritage, along with its leadership in research and deep talent pool, have enabled Foreship UK to become a valuable contributor to the wider Foreship Group,” said Lauri Haavisto, CEO, Foreship Group Ltd. “This success reinforces our commitment to providing independent technical expertise to shipowners in the UK and globally.”

Foreship actively contributes to the UK’s role as a center of excellence for maritime education, engaging with industry bodies and programs such as the Society of Maritime Industries, Maritime UK, Innovate UK, IMarEST conference programs, and the Maritime Futures Forum, while forging links with UK maritime universities and research institutes. These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to support the development of future naval architects, marine engineers, and maritime professionals.

From its Southampton base, Foreship is strategically positioned to assist UK ship owners and operators in navigating regulatory and technical advancements. The company aims to grow its UK workforce throughout 2025, targeting both recent graduates and seasoned professionals. Additionally, Foreship plans to broaden its influence in the merchant marine sector, building on its achievements in the cruise and ferry industries.

Ambassador first cruise line to install Zelim's MOB detection and tracking system

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 03 April 2025 03 April 2025

Zelim’s intelligent detection system, ZOE, is to be installed aboard Ambassador Cruise Lines’ 48,123-gross-ton cruise ship Ambition, marking the first operational reference for the revolutionary technology in the global cruise ship sector.

The Edinburgh-based maritime safety and security technology pioneer is fitting out the 1,200-passenger capacity cruise ship with a full ZOE installation to deliver instantaneous detection and tracking of persons in the water following man overboard (MOB) incidents.

The installation – comprising multiple infrared and daylight cameras, sensors and software to provide crews with 360° visibility – dramatically increases the likelihood of both spotting and recovering an MOB.

Ambassador Cruise Lines’ COO 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. 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.”

Stewart Gregory, Zelim’s Chief Operating Officer said: “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.”

This is particularly important for the cruise sector since the US Vessel Security and Safety Act (2010) requires passenger vessels “to integrate technology that can be used for detecting passengers who have fallen overboard”. With advances in AI technology this is now possible.

“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,” said Doug Lothian, Zelim’s CTO.

“One of the biggest challenges following an incident is determining exactly when and where a person entered the water. 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.”

ZOE has been undergoing independent testing aboard the Ambition to meet the ISO 21195 standard for the detection of persons falling overboard. The technology also recently passed Lloyd’s Register Phase I & II type approval tests with a 98% MOB detection rate.

“First and second phase trials have been a huge success and LR will now move ahead with Phase III of the certification process,” said Stewart Gregory. “This delivers further confidence to cruise lines that ZOE reduces the risk of persons falling overboard going undetected and lost at sea. ZOE represents the single greatest technological advancement to reducing lives lost to man overboard incidents.”

While MOB detection and tracking are ZOE’s primary focus, Ambassador Cruise Lines’ decision to install additional forward-facing cameras points to the technology’s wider multi-functional capabilities.

“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. This enhances overall situational awareness for watchkeepers and bridge teams,” said Lothian.

Zelim will be showcasing ZOE and other safety solutions this month at the Seatrade Global Cruise event, which takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida, between the 7th and 10th of April. Zelim representatives will be demonstrating the technology on Booth 3543.

Heineken commemorative can for the cruise sector celebrates sail 2025

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 20 March 2025 20 March 2025

Heineken is launching two commemorative limited edition collectors’ can designs to mark SAIL 2025 (20-24 August 2025), the world’s largest nautical event, celebrating participating cultures with maritime vessels, crew and visitors from all around the globe. Heineken is a major sponsor of the festival’s night-time entertainment with the SAIL ON STAGE series.

Available exclusively in the Cruise sector in the Americas region from February to July 2025 and in European region from April to July 2025, the 12 fl oz cans feature ocean-inspired graphics. They are a contemporary celebration of the central role of water and the maritime industry in the long histories of both Amsterdam and the Heineken® brand.

The Port of Amsterdam has played a remarkable role in world history as a trading port and a pivotal role in the export of Heineken to the global stage. Gerard Heineken’s 1864 launch of his first brewery was just a few metres from the Amsterdam waterways that would be used to transport his premium beer to markets around the world.

The new cans incorporate digital engagement (via QR code) transporting the cruise guest on a Heineken journey, sharing the rich heritage of the brand with the chance to win a spectacular summer weekend in Amsterdam during the SAIL 2025 festival. The competition prize also includes a VIP visit to the Heineken® Experience with an iconic canal cruise to enjoy the festival up close at water level, sailing alongside the 10,000 vessels expected to arrive from ports around the world.

Christian Klimpke, Global Account Manager Cruises, HEINEKEN, remarks: “This is the first time we have created a limited edition for the Cruise sector to create excitement, intrigue and engagement for consumers and for crew. The Heineken SAIL can concept is a perfect way for us to share our pride in our home city and its vital role in the development of the Heineken brand. Water is elemental in the history and character of both Amsterdam and the heritage of Heineken too, from its role as one of the three ingredients in our beer, to the brand’s journeys across the oceans to reach over 190 countries.

“There is also a natural synergy with our cruise business, which is a key focus for HEINEKEN as we seek to continue driving sales with engaging innovations like this that also bring added value to our cruise line partners. In planning the SAIL campaign we are going beyond simply offering a ‘fun new can design’ by adopting a holistic approach that resonates with the heritage of both Heineken® and our home city of Amsterdam.”