Vancouver Debuts Facial Recognition for Cruise Boarding

Vancouver has taken a significant step towards modernizing its cruise ship boarding process by introducing biometric face-scanning technology. Developed by Pangiam, a division of BigBear.ai, and implemented at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), this cutting-edge technology is designed to streamline the embarkation process for passengers.

Passengers on Vancouver-departing cruise ships are now scanned using iPad-like devices held by CBP agents. These devices capture passenger photos and compare them to pre-trip travel documentation for verification. This system replaces the previous passport-scanning kiosks and is available for Canadian and American citizens only, while nationals of other countries will continue with manual document checks.

According to Kevin McAleenan, president of BigBear.ai, their approach uses state-of-the-art computer vision and AI (artificial intelligence) to capture accurate facial recognition in real-time, and instantly transmits to secure biometric matching services, ensuring immediate passenger identity verification.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) stated that the cost of implementing the new technology was 'marginal' and that staffing levels at the cruise terminal remain unchanged. SSA Marine supports the program, managing operations at the Canada Place cruise terminal.

Interestingly, this technology is being used for the first time for embarkation, although 20 U.S. cruise-ship terminals use facial biometric scanning for disembarkation. Outside of North America, MISC Cruises recently announced it would be using Neurotechnology's Face Verification system by integrating it with the MSC for Me mobile application and MSC web portal.

Information 

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) is a Canadian port authority responsible for the administration and operation of the Port of Vancouver.

BigBear.ai is a Virginia-based artificial intelligence company that provides innovative solutions for various industries.

Pangiam is a division of BigBear.ai that specializes in biometric technology solutions.

SSA Marine is a global terminal operator that manages operations at the Canada Place cruise terminal.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal agency responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of people and goods across the U.S. border.

Neurotechnology is a Lithuania-based company that provides facial recognition and biometric technology solutions.

MSC Cruises is a global cruise line that operates a fleet of luxury cruise ships."

Q: What is the new technology being used for cruise ship boarding in Vancouver?

A: Biometric face-scanning technology developed by Pangiam, a division of BigBear.ai.

Q: Who can use the biometric system for cruise ship boarding?

A: Canadian and American citizens only, while nationals of other countries will continue with manual document checks.

Q: Can passengers opt-out of the biometric system?

A: Yes, passengers can opt-out of the biometric system and choose manual inspection by notifying a Canada Place cruise terminal representative.

Q: What is the benefit of using facial recognition technology for cruise ship boarding?

A: It streamlines the embarkation process for passengers, providing a faster and more efficient experience.

Q: Is this technology being used for the first time in the cruise industry?

A: No, facial biometric scanning is already being used for disembarkation at 20 U.S. cruise-ship terminals.