Matson has agreed a deal with WhaleSpotter to purchase and deploy a new whale detection system developed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), becoming the first container shipping company to adopt the technology.
Developed at WHOI with support from Matson, the WhaleSpotter system combines thermal imaging, AI-based detection and real-time monitoring to identify whales up to three nautical miles away. Verified alerts are sent directly to vessel crews to enable rapid adjustments to course and speed.
Matson provided WHOI with a $1 million research grant in 2023 and access to its ships and crews to assist in the development of the system. Three WhaleSpotter units have been trialled on Matson containerships, with four more ordered for deployment on services to Hawaii and Alaska.
Field tests demonstrated that WhaleSpotter could detect surfacing whales several miles away and deliver verified alerts within seconds.
“The technology is remarkable — and now refined to meet our zero-false-alert requirements,” said Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO of Matson.
“Our crews are enthusiastic about this new tool and are already using it to help protect whales.”
WhaleSpotter manufactures its commercial camera units in the United States under license from WHOI. Fifty production units are currently in use across container, cruise and research vessels, with plans for further expansion.
