AI-powered technology helping to spot and protect whales in Sydney Harbour
A unique partnership between NRMA Marine and Australia’s leading maritime autonomy company, Greenroom Robotics, is helping delight whale-watchers while protecting whales in Sydney Harbour.
This whale-watching season, NRMA Marine has deployed Greenroom’s Lookout+ on their whale watching vessel Fantasea Avalon to boost the number of whale sightings for their world-class whale watching experiences. The vision-based AI offers real-time detection and classification of hazards (including whales) above and below the surface, which also supports the boat’s crew navigating the busy Sydney Harbour and improves safety.
Reports estimate that globally 20,000 whales are killed each year by vessel strikes. Lookout+, can identify and track whales from over 1 km away to avoid collisions. This special partnership also contributes to citizen science by collecting valuable data on whale movements and environmental conditions.
Nigel Ellsmore, Chief Operating Officer of NRMA Marine said: “As part of NRMA’s commitment to sustainability and ocean stewardship, the integration of Lookout+ allows our team to play a role in building a richer understanding of Australia’s marine environment. Over 60,000 whale watchers joined NRMA Marine last year, this technology will help us ensure they can get close to these amazing animals while also giving our crews the technological edge to keep whales safe.”
Harry Hubbert, Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder at Greenroom Robotics said:
“Our collaboration with NRMA represents a powerful alignment with our mission for safe, clean and protected oceans. Our AI-powered marine software can identify more whales than the naked eye. It never gets tired, has 360-degree vision and reliably operates in complex ocean environments and bad weather.” “This innovation not only enriches the whale-watching experience for passengers but also plays an important role in protecting marine life and safe navigation across a broad range of marine industries.
“This partnership enables us to continually refine and improve Lookout+, ensuring it remains at the forefront of maritime innovation while also delivering immediate benefits to NRMA crews and passengers.”
Given the success of the trial, NRMA Marine will continue to use Lookout+ onboard the Fantasea Avalon. They’re also looking to roll out the system on additional vessels in the fleet.
About Greenroom Robotics:
Greenroom Robotics is a world-leading Australian company specialising in advanced maritime autonomy, navigation, and situational awareness solutions. Founded by three engineers who met at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Greenroom now operates from facilities in Sydney and Perth Australia, and Houston USA. Driven by a mission to transform maritime operations through autonomy and AI for safe, clean and protected oceans, Greenroom is shaping the future of both uncrewed and crewed maritime operations worldwide. In true Australian entrepreneurial spirit, the company has bootstrapped its way to international success without external investment.
