Dubai moves towards the future of smart maritime transport with the launch of a self-driving electric abra.
Dubai is poised to strengthen its position as a leading city in Intelligent transportation field As the launch of the self-driving ferry to transport passengers in its waters approaches.
This development is part of the efforts Roads and Transport Authority In Dubai to promote the use of modern technologies in marine transportation, as the abra is expected to operate by the end of next year or early 2027 after completing the necessary tests.
Startup after technical tests are completed
In this context, Khaled Al-Awadhi explained, Director of Transportation Systems Department In the Public Transport Agency of the Authority, the Authority has made great strides in developing the abra systems and converting them to electric ones, noting that tests have begun on the fifth level of autonomous operating systems, and this level means that the abra can be operated from the dock to its destination in a fully automated manner, with human supervision to ensure the safety of the process.
Advanced classification of smart maritime transport
Al-Awadhi added that marine transport methods are classified into six levels, starting from the first level, which includes traditional methods, to the sixth level, which is the most advanced and depends entirely on smart systems.
He pointed out that the Authority is currently focusing on developing the technologies of the abras to reach this advanced classification, and operating them without a driver, adding that the service will be operated on specific routes, and will be gradually increased to cover the largest number later.
Challenges of Self-Transportation in Open Water
Al-Awadhi touched on the challenges facing the operation of self-driving ferries in open waters, such as waves, water currents, and winds, in addition to the biggest challenge, which is the lack of companies operating in this field.
The Director of the Transportation Systems Department at the Public Transport Agency at the Authority confirmed that the Authority is working on developing smart systems to deal with these challenges in cooperation with companies specialized in this field.
A future vision for self-driving transportation in Dubai
He explained that the Authority plans to launch several self-driving transportation services over the next five years, including taxis, the air taxi expected to operate in 2026, and self-driving buses. The Authority also aims to apply the highest safety standards to ensure a safe and efficient transportation experience for users of these advanced means.
