Madrid, October 10, 2017 – MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately owned cruise line, headquartered in Switzerland and a leader in the industry in Europe and South America, today announced the launch of a new, advanced video surveillance system that provides even greater security on board its ships. MSC Cruises developed this cutting-edge, industry-first system in collaboration with global leaders in security technology, Bosch and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
The integrated system, unveiled today, is part of a larger MSC Cruises initiative to further optimize onboard safety and enable, among other things, a faster response in the unlikely event of a person or object falling overboard. Following a successful pilot phase with rigorous stress tests and continuous software updates, the intelligent video analysis and capture system is now operational. The first ship to feature this technology will be MSC Cruises' flagship, the MSC Meraviglia.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, stated: “The safety and security of our passengers and crew on board our ships has always been our top priority. Therefore, since innovation has been a fundamental aspect of our operations and the development of new features for our ships from day one, we have created a highly innovative solution that, through the use of military technology, allows the appropriate officer to take immediate action if necessary. Although precise video surveillance and the use of high-tech equipment on a ship at sea are challenging, our teams have successfully developed a precise, stable, and reliable system.”
MSC Cruises' new system comprises an extensive network of intelligent optical and thermal cameras that allows for complete and uninterrupted surveillance of the ship's exterior areas. All captured video images are sent in real time to a central security room for monitoring, along with the other images from the 1,200 high-resolution video surveillance cameras installed on board.
MSC Cruises' Security Department and experts from Bosch and Hewlett Packard Enterprise worked for 14 months to adapt to the demanding security requirements and create the appropriate surveillance equipment. While a fundamental aspect of the surveillance infrastructure is installing a highly robust system (cameras, housing, base) that can withstand the harsh conditions at sea, a crucial part of the process is programming the software to provide reliable and accurate data. To further enhance the accuracy of the captured video images, they are processed and analyzed by two separate and independent systems.
In the event of an alarm, an audible signal and a light will alert the appropriate officer in the ship's central security room, who can immediately connect to the system, acquire all images and data, and, if necessary, retrieve or review relevant video footage. The security officer has direct access to the ship's bridge to take immediate action.
This new man overboard detection system has been developed to further optimize safety aspects for all passengers and crew on board the ship.
Over time, similar integrated systems will be developed and installed across the entire MSC Cruises global fleet.
