Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has partnered with Swiss technology company Kitro to trial AI-powered food waste monitoring devices onboard the Bolette.

As food waste is said to be responsible for around 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the technology could play an important role in reducing emissions and supporting decarbonization in commercial operations.

In a press release, the cruise line said the pilot will run for six months and then its findings will be used to assess opportunities for a wider rollout of the technology across its fleet.

“We’re excited to roll out this trial period. By using Kitro’s innovative AI technology, alongside their expert support, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of food waste on board, helping us make meaningful changes where they matter most,” said Dominic Simpson, sustainability manager at Fred. Olsen.

“It’s an important step in our wider commitment to improving efficiency and investing in fleet‑wide upgrades that support our long‑term sustainability goals.”

Five Kitro devices will be installed in key galley locations as part of the pilot, to automatically track and analyze food waste.

The system will then capture and identify discarded food in real time, recording data such as weight, category and timing, to provide insights into where and why food waste occurs.

These insights will be used to monitor trends, identify cost-saving opportunities and implement targeted improvements, the cruise line explained.

Jonathan Comotti, head of sales at Kitro, noted: “We are thrilled to be launching this pilot with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Food waste is one of the most impactful and actionable sustainability challenges in the hospitality industry, and cruise ships are a fascinating environment to tackle it.”