World’s first self-driving ferry launches

Norwegian shipping company Torghatten and technology provider Zeabuz are delivering the world’s first self-driving city ferry for commercial operation.

Torghatten AS will operate the all-electric passenger ferry between the Stockholm islands of Kungsholmen and Södermalm, starting this summer.

Torghatten and Zeabuz say the ferry will run 15 hours per day, with batteries being recharged overnight. The ferry can carry 24 passengers, and will still have an operator on board — at first.

“Many large cities around the world have problems with congestion, lack of capacity and environmental and air pollution. Self-driving technology will be part of the solution and will be good for both the climate and people,” says Reidun Svarva, chief business development officer at Torghatten.

The idea of autonomous urban ferries started at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. The company Zeabuz, which is co-owned by Torghatten, was founded based on the researchers’ results and carries the aim of creating more sustainable urban mobility.

“Instead of being barriers, the water surfaces will sew the city together and become a shortcut for all Stockholmers,” Svarva adds.

Svarva says the firm’s ambition is to expand the concept to more parts of the world. Paris is reportedly eyeing the technology to use on the Seine ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

Torghatten also assures that the self-driving boat technology is tested and safe. Initially, an operator on board will ensure that everything runs smoothly during the crossing.

The ferry will start operating in Stockholm in June 2023.