Matson, a prominent U.S. ocean carrier, has adopted a proactive approach to mitigate the risk of whale strikes. The company has implemented several measures, including the rerouting of vessels to avoid protected areas and partnering with experts to develop cutting-edge whale detection technology.
In a bid to decrease the likelihood of whale collisions in crucial areas such as known migration routes, feeding grounds, and breeding areas, Matson has made route adjustments to its Oakland-Long Beach-Honolulu voyage. This decision aims to reduce the time its vessels spend inside whale protection zones along the northern and southern California coasts. As a result, the company’s compliance with voluntary speed reduction guidelines in these areas has significantly improved, leading to an aggregate “B” grade for 2024 from Whale Safe, a vessel monitoring service.
Moreover, Matson has collaborated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to contribute to the research and testing of whale detection technology for ships. The company has allocated $1 million to support the development of Whale Detection Cameras (WDC), which utilize thermal imaging to detect whale spouts and provide real-time information on their distance and bearing from the vessel. The accuracy of this information is ensured by a cloud-based platform using artificial intelligence to validate the data, thereby reducing the possibility of false alerts.
The partnership with WHOI also involves the use of Matson’s vessels as test beds for gathering real-world data required for the continued research and development of the technology. Three vessels, namely Manulani, Manoa, and Daniel K. Inouye, have been chosen to participate in the research, with Manulani set to be the first to receive the whale detection camera.
According to Dan Zitterbart, an associate scientist at WHOI, the thermal imaging scanner is designed to detect whale exhalations or spouts on the water’s surface, enabling the camera to record their thermal signatures. Once installed, these cameras will be capable of alerting vessel crews to the presence of whales several kilometers away within a matter of seconds. This provides ample time for vessels to change course, ultimately enhancing the safety of maritime operations. Additionally, the use of thermal infrared technology enables these cameras to effectively spot whales day or night, further improving the ability to avoid collisions.
Captain Travis Seely, Master of the Manulani, expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the pilot program for this groundbreaking technology. Drawing from his experience sailing for Matson since 2017 and serving as Master aboard the Manulani since 2023, Captain Seely emphasized the potential impact of the specially designed camera on the maritime industry’s environmental footprint. He highlighted the numerous occasions where the crew had to maneuver to avoid whale collisions off the California coast, expressing hope that the installation of the Whale Detection Camera would make a positive difference in preserving the marine environment.
Matson’s commitment to developing and implementing advanced whale detection technology is a commendable initiative in the maritime industry’s effort to prioritize safety and environmental conservation. Through collaboration with WHOI and the deployment of innovative solutions, the company is paving the way for greater maritime safety and sustainability.