The MF Estelle electric ferry with a maximum capacity of 25 passengers completed an automatic test with just one press of a remote button.
In June 2023, the electric ferry MF Estelle began commercial operations in Stockholm, transporting up to 25 passengers between islands in the region. Thanks to technology from Zeabuz, a startup founded by a research team at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, the ferry is capable of running autonomously. But now, there is always a supervisor on the ferry to ensure passenger safety and intervene if necessary.
Now, a new test is conducted to remotely control MF Estelle at distances of up to 600 km, New Atlas reported on October 8. This vehicle was built by the Norwegian company Brodrene Aa for the transport company Torghatten AS. MF Estelle is 12 m long, equipped with 4 motors and a 188 kWh battery pack. The ferry is capable of operating continuously for 15 hours a day with an operating speed of 11 km/h.
The new test is a big step toward a scenario where the captain simply sits at a remote control center on land instead of on the ferry, according to Zeabuz automation engineer Carl Petersson.
The remote control center in Trondheim, Norway, has a replica of the ferry bridge system and control interface, along with additional screens showing live camera data for a 360-degree view around the ferry . After being launched from a distance of 600 km, MF Estelle moved from the island of Kungsholmen to the Sodermalm district of Stockholm, Sweden. Throughout this journey, the ferry remains monitored remotely.
In addition to the remote control team in Norway, operators are also present in the cabin to intervene if necessary. However, the trip went smoothly. Passengers commented that the ride was impressive and smooth.
“We wanted to test whether the ferry could cross Riddarfjarden to Soder Malarstrand fully autonomously at the press of a button 600 km away. This is the first test of its kind and shows that it is possible exam,” said senior researcher Hakan Burden from RISE, a project partner.
According to Zeabuz, the trial marks an important milestone towards remote operations, which are essential for increasing the size and operation of automated ferry fleets, helping to expand the application range of maritime automation.
Thu Thao (Theo New Atlas)