Zelim, a U.K.-based startup developing search and rescue solutions, is joining forces with Ocean Winds, an international company dedicated to offshore wind energy and 50-50 joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, in a pilot project to test AI-enabled person detection software for floating offshore wind farms. The objective is to test and prove Zelim’s ZOE technology, AI-enabled software dedicated to person overboard detection and capable of finding and tracking people, vessels, and other objects in real time and in harsh maritime conditions.
During the collaboration, Zelim will offer continuous monitoring of ZOE’s live feed from cameras installed on two turbine foundations on Ocean Winds’ WindFloat Atlantic project. The project will serve to train and improve the ZOE detection models whilst proving its capability.
ZOE will be detecting people and objects in the waters surrounding the turbines, providing direct alerts to the operation and maintenance control center in the case of a person falling overboard or an external vessel approaching the windfarm. By proving this capability, ZOE will support the site’s operation and effectiveness by providing an additional layer of health and safety support.
“Finding someone in distress at sea is often a game of chance, especially when you factor in waves, sea spray, darkness, and how quickly people can drift in the current,” said Doug Lothian, Zelim chief technology officer. “Couple that with the limitations of a human searcher’s eyesight and concentration. We have been developing ZOE over the last three years to increase certainty in search, even in challenging conditions. We see ZOE providing a safety net around offshore assets, where if somebody ends up in the water, they will be detected and an immediate alert sent, thereby enabling a fast and efficient rescue. We are thrilled to be working with the team at Ocean Winds to create a new benchmark in safety for offshore workers.”
“As a pure offshore wind developer and operator of over 1.5 GW in the world, a key focus at Ocean Winds is the increase of the safety and health of our workers and communities, which always come first,” said Elena Caja, HSSEQ director. “We are very excited for the implementation of this project and are looking forward to the results, and potential deployment throughout our projects already in operation or under construction.”
More info www.zelim.co/find | www.oceanwinds.com
