A major step is being taken toward digitalization and autonomous control to raise maritime safety to a new level. Norway’s Brim Explorer, in cooperation with Zeabuz, has announced that it will become the first company in the world to equip its entire fleet with the Zeawatch Docking Assist — an AI-based docking assistance system.
The system’s key feature is its ability to fully monitor areas outside the captain’s field of vision (“blind spots”) using 4D radars and high-precision cameras. This technology will enable crews to perform docking operations with centimeter-level accuracy in narrow ports and complex coastal infrastructures. Even at night, in foggy conditions, and under harsh weather conditions, the system creates a dynamic map of the surroundings, enhancing the captain’s decision-making capabilities.
The first installation is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026 aboard the MS Bre. One of the most important advantages of the technology is that it can be easily integrated not only into newbuild vessels but also into ships already in operation. The innovation is regarded as one of the most significant technological leaps toward minimizing human-factor risks in maritime operations.
