Viking Yacht Company Tests AI Whale-Detection Technology
The boat manufacturer is demonstrating a new thermal-imaging system designed to prevent vessel strikes on whales.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Viking Yacht Company has equipped a 70-foot convertible boat with WhaleSpotter AI technology to detect whales at sea. The system, which utilizes thermal cameras, will be showcased at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Why it matters
The technology aims to reduce dangerous vessel strikes on whales by providing captains with real-time detection data. Viking is using the demonstration to prove the system's capabilities in real-world conditions.
WhaleSpotter technology detects whales at ranges of 2 to 3 nautical miles using integrated thermal cameras and AI software. The system differentiates between marine life and wave spray, displaying data on a helm-mounted tablet.
The players
Viking Yacht Company
A prominent manufacturer of luxury sportfishing yachts headquartered in New Jersey.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
A world-leading private, nonprofit organization dedicated to marine research, exploration, and education.
Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce
An industry collaborative group founded to develop and promote technologies that protect marine mammals.
The details
Atlantic Marine Electronics installed the unit on the tuna tower using a removable mount, integrating the camera and processing computer into one piece of hardware. The system was recently tested during a data-collection trip from New Jersey to Florida.
Timeline
Late 2022: Viking and industry partners formed the Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce.
28 October to 1 November: Viking will demonstrate the technology at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The Tech Race
This deployment marks the transition of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution WhaleSpotter research from academic study into commercial maritime safety. It pits high-tech AI detection systems against legacy observation methods in an effort to modernize vessel safety.
Boat owners can utilize this AI technology to receive automated alerts about whale presence at distances of up to 3 nautical miles. This provides captains with actionable data to adjust navigation paths and avoid potential collisions while at sea.
The takeaway
Advanced AI tools are increasingly being integrated into standard maritime equipment to improve wildlife conservation efforts. Captains operating in protected waters should evaluate these detection systems to enhance safety and regulatory compliance.
What happens next
Viking Yacht Company will demonstrate the WhaleSpotter technology at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 28 through November 1.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Marine Industry News.
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