Watch: Now, driverless abras in Dubai; RTA announces trial of autonomous electric boat

Dubai has started the trial operation of a driverless electric abra, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday. The traditional boat — a common sight in the Emirate's waters — can carry eight passengers.

The autonomous vessel was manufactured locally at the RTA’s Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre. Its design retains the heritage identity of abras.

The initial journey of the driverless abra took place from Al Jaddaf to the Festival City station on the Dubai Creek. This marks one of the world’s first marine trials in passenger transport.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said: “The autonomous electric abra boasts superb features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs (by up to 30 per cent), and the elimination of noise compared to diesel-powered models.

"It is equipped with two electric motors with a maximum speed of seven knots. It has an autonomous control system and four lithium batteries that ensure an operating time of seven hours. The RTA adopted new technologies in designing the structure … and used fibreglass in the hull to reduce its weight.”

How it works

It uses an automated self-driving system powered by radars and cameras that help it ‘see’ and navigate. Advanced technology detects threats and responds when needed.

During the trial run so far, the autonomous electric abra achieved ‘level 4’ out of the six specified for international autonomy levels for ship design and operation.

The trials — carried out in cooperation with Exalto Emirates and Marakeb companies — included operating and running fully autonomous procedures independent of the captain, who acts as operation supervisor to intervene only if needed.

The autonomous procedures ensure 100 per cent adherence to the predetermined line, despite the effects of the waves and wind. The boat detects obstacles in the navigational path and notifies the control centre of any system defect or deviation from the operating plan. The system intervenes if the abra faces an obstacle during the journey, and programmes additional scenarios to handle the situation.

“The RTA will develop automated anchoring operations and scenarios for making decisions during manoeuvering and emergency,” Al Tayer added.

The aim is to get the boats on ‘level 5’ of autonomy. The authority will coordinate with the Dubai Maritime City Authority in matters related to the legislation of autonomous marine means.

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