Whalespotter AI whale detection for ships uses thermal imaging to spot whales up to 3 nautical miles away and alerts crews within seconds to prevent collisions.

Matson, Inc. has purchased and will deploy the AI-powered Whalespotter whale detection system developed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, making it the first container shipping company to adopt this marine protection technology. The Hawaii-based shipping company announced the product agreement with WhaleSpotter Corp. on November 3, 2025.

The WhaleSpotter system combines thermal imaging with artificial intelligence to detect whales up to three nautical miles away, operating around the clock in all weather conditions. The AI whale detection for ships provides real-time alerts to vessel crews within seconds of detecting a surfacing whale, giving them time to adjust course and avoid collisions.

Matson invested $1 million in research funding in 2023 to help Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution develop the system. The company also provided access to its vessels and crews for testing and refinement of the technology.

The shipping company has already tested three WhaleSpotter units on its containerships with successful results. Field deployments demonstrated that the system can detect surfacing whales miles away and deliver verified alerts almost immediately. Matson has now ordered four additional units for vessels serving Hawaii and Alaska.

Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO of Matson, said the technology meets the company’s requirement for zero false alerts. He noted that ship crews are already using the system to help protect whales during their regular operations.

The detection system addresses a significant threat to whale populations worldwide. Ship strikes represent one of the leading causes of death for large whales, particularly endangered species that migrate through busy shipping lanes. Traditional visual monitoring by crew members has limitations, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

WhaleSpotter’s thermal imaging cameras can detect the heat signature of whales when they surface to breathe. The proprietary AI algorithms then verify whether the detection is actually a whale, filtering out false positives from waves, debris, or other marine life. This automated verification process allows the system to alert crews only when whales are genuinely present.

The AI whale detection for ships represents a significant advancement over existing whale protection measures. Current methods include voluntary speed restrictions in designated whale zones, acoustic monitoring systems that listen for whale calls, and whale advisory systems that notify ships about recent whale sightings in specific areas. However, these approaches have notable limitations.

Speed restrictions depend on voluntary compliance and only apply in limited geographic areas. Acoustic monitoring can detect whales underwater but cannot pinpoint their exact location or predict where they will surface. Whale advisory systems rely on historical sighting data that may be hours or days old, providing little help for real-time decision making.

The WhaleSpotter system differs by providing immediate, verified detection of whales at the surface when they are most vulnerable to ship strikes. The three-nautical-mile detection range gives crews several minutes to respond, compared to seconds or no warning with traditional visual monitoring. The system operates continuously without requiring dedicated crew attention, unlike visual watches that can only function during daylight hours with clear visibility.

Shawn Henry, CEO of WhaleSpotter, credited Matson’s operational feedback for helping prepare the system for large-scale commercial deployment. The shipping company provided input on installation procedures, connectivity requirements, and user experience during the testing phase.

WhaleSpotter was co-founded in 2024 by Woods Hole scientist Dr. Daniel Zitterbart and Sebastian Richter, who co-developed the AI detection algorithm. Henry, a veteran technology executive who previously served as President, COO and CEO of microlocation company Humatics, leads the company as Chief Executive Officer.

The company manufactures its commercial camera units in the United States under an exclusive technology license from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. WhaleSpotter has already deployed its first 50 commercial production units, which the company describes as providing “eyes on the ocean.”

The adoption timeline and cost considerations for AI whale detection for ships remain important factors for industry-wide implementation. While WhaleSpotter has not publicly disclosed the unit price, the system represents a significant investment for shipping companies. The technology requires specialized thermal cameras, onboard computing hardware for AI processing, and integration with vessel navigation systems.

However, the potential costs of whale strikes extend beyond ethical concerns. Ship operators face regulatory penalties, operational delays, and reputational damage when vessels strike protected whale species. In some jurisdictions, authorities can fine shipping companies and require lengthy investigations that keep vessels in port. These factors may make the detection system economically viable despite upfront costs.

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The company plans to expand deployments beyond container ships to include cruise vessels and research ships worldwide. The system is designed for easy installation on various types of maritime vessels, including ferries and offshore construction ships.

Matson operates 22 owned vessels, including containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships, and custom-designed barges. Founded in 1882, the company provides shipping services to Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia, and select South Pacific islands, as well as expedited service from China to Southern California.

The WhaleSpotter technology builds on years of peer-reviewed research conducted at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The system represents a shift from passive observation to active intervention, giving maritime operators a practical tool to reduce whale strikes.

The deployment of AI whale detection for ships on commercial vessels marks a significant step toward protecting endangered whale populations. As more vessels adopt the system, the cumulative effect could substantially reduce whale mortality from ship collisions in major shipping lanes.

Matson’s adoption of WhaleSpotter may influence other shipping companies to follow suit. The container shipping industry handles the majority of global trade goods, with vessels traveling through critical whale habitats in oceans worldwide.

The technology’s ability to function in darkness and poor weather conditions addresses a major gap in current whale protection efforts. Most existing detection methods rely on daylight and clear visibility, leaving whales vulnerable during night hours and in fog or rain.