MarineXchange, the sole provider of a cruise specific enterprise software platform, has launched a new thermal imaging and facial recognition solution for the cruise industry to help in its battle against Covid-19.

MXP Protect allows cruise lines “to implement controlled processes across critical areas of shipboard operation and to ensure the safety of all onboard”.

It comprises a raft of new features and hardware that seamlessly integrates with the MXP application platform or can be used as a standalone application.

The advanced thermal scanner hardware with face recognition technology can be used in the terminal, at the security checkpoint, during check-in, at the gangway, or at strategic locations around the ship.

Since guests, crew and visitors can be continuously monitored via thermal scanners, measures can be taken quickly and proactively.

MXP Protect features include:

• MXP Mobile Security and Gangway App: Thermal scanner with facial recognition technology.
• MXP Mobile Check-In App: Port specific health questionnaires and health certificate collection.
• MXP PMS: Management of medical and health documents.
• MXP Mobile Housekeeping App: Quarantined cabin management and logging of cleaning/sanitization of cabins and public areas.
• MXP Digital Menus: A part of the MXP mobile POS solution, this self-service app allows guests to place orders for in-cabin delivery.
• MXP HR: Manage pre-existing conditions, improve scheduling and consider travel restrictions.
• MXP eLearning: Teach crew about new procedures (before they come back onboard).
• MXP Mobile Time & Attendance: Thermal scanner with facial recognition technology and continuous health checks of crew.
• MXP Mobile Restaurant Reservation/Seating App: Control capacities to prevent overcrowding.
• MXP Itinerary management: Optimize itineraries with port-specific safety procedures and alerts.
• MXP Supply Chain: Ensures all essential items are always on board in the required quantities.
• MXP Localisation: Bluetooth data exchange between guest mobile phones using the guest app and integration with the ship’s access points. Analysis/management of contact tracing data.

MXP software is currently being used by 33 cruise lines over more than 300 ships.

Portsmouth International Port announced this week that in preparation for the return of passengers following the suspension of sailings, it had installed a thermal temperature scanner to screen passengers for symptoms of coronavirus.

Since announcing the launch of MXP Protect, MarineXchange has received strong interest from cruise companies in its features and functionality and is now providing free licences for the solution.

MarineXchange software managing director, Hannes Lindthaler, commented: “We at MarineXchange want to do our part and will therefore provide free licences for the thermal imaging/facial recognition software solution to all cruise companies.”

MarineXchange also recently received a government grant for a new artificial intelligence (AI) project for supply chain forecasting in the cruise industry.

Accurate supply chain forecasting is a huge challenge for the sector as ships are deployed worldwide, meaning items can have different specifications and pack sizes.

MarineXchange’s new functionality has been designed to raise contract management, order fulfillment, and vendor collaboration to a new level, by allowing more precise forecasting for the office and ships. Accurate forecasts will result in lower operating expenses and promote a positive environmental impact.

The new AI forecasting module will be fully integrated with the MarineXchange enterprise supply chain software and ecommerce portal.

Visit marinexchange.com for more information.