Norway’s Autonomous Electric Ferry Now Remotely Controlled From 600 Kilometers Away
Last year, the world’s first autonomous electric ferry began commercial operations inStockholm, carrying up to 25 passengers between islands in the region. Now, this ferry, the MF Estelle, has been successfully remotely operated from a distance of 600 kilometers.
Built by Norwegian company Brødrene Aa for the shipping company Torghatten AS, the 12-meter (39-foot) electric catamaran can carry up to 25 passengers and is equipped with four propellers and a 188 kWh battery, allowing it to operate for up to 15 hours a day at a service speed of 6 knots(7 mph).
The ferry’s autonomous capabilities are powered by technology developed by Zeabuz, a startup founded by a team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. Until recently, the vessel hasalways had a crew member on board to ensure passenger comfort and safety, and to take over in case of need.
However, recent trials, according to Carl Petersson, Autonomy Engineer at Zeabuz, represent a big step towards our vision of having the captain sit in a remote operations center on land, ratherthan on the ship.
The remote operations center, located approximately 600 kilometers away, is equipped with an identical replica of the MF Estelle’s bridge system and operating interface.
This development marks a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous maritime technology. The ability to remotely control a ferry from such a distanceopens up new possibilities for the industry, potentially leading to:
- Increased efficiency: Remote control allows for more efficient crew scheduling and reduces the need for on-board personnel.
- Improved safety: Remote operators can monitor the vessel’s performance and intervene in case of emergencies, potentially leading to safer operations.
*Expansion to remote locations: Remote control allows for the deployment of autonomous ferries in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
The success of the MF Estelle’s remote operation trials is a testament to the rapid progress being made in the field of autonomous maritime technology. As this technology continues to mature, we can expect to see even more innovativeapplications in the future, revolutionizing the way we travel and transport goods across waterways.
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