Stockholm Becomes the First City in the World to Launch Fully Electric Autonomous Passenger Ferry.
The autonomous electric ferry operated by Torghatten AS. (Photo: Zeam).
The twin-hulled ferry, with a capacity of 25 passengers, will operate between Kungsholmen and Søder Mellarstrand islands in Stockholm for 15 hours a day starting June 2023, according to Zeam. This ferry is part of a project aimed at creating more sustainable urban transportation options and generating interest from the community. The initiative began at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, leading to the establishment of the technology company Zeabuz, which provides the automated system for the passenger ferry.
“Many major cities around the world are grappling with issues such as congestion, lack of capacity, environmental pollution, and air quality. Autonomous technology is a key part of the solution for both climate and humanity,” said Reidun Svarva, Business Development Director at the transportation company Torghatten AS. “Thanks to the autonomous operation, we can reduce operational costs low enough to achieve commercial viability. This will be a revolution in green maritime transport, and Stockholm is the first city in the world to test it.”
The ferry trips will be monitored from a control room onshore. The vessel features a shaded passenger deck with boarding points at both ends and measures 12 meters in length. It is built by the shipyard Brødrene Aa, which has a history dating back to 1947. Brødrene Aa has developed innovative production methods and manufactures energy-efficient ferries using carbon fiber.
Currently, approximately 90% of urban areas are located next to waterways but have not been fully utilized due to high emissions and operational costs. The autonomous electric ferry project aims to enhance waterborne transportation, reduce congestion, and lower pollution levels.
