World’s first self-driving passenger ferry

Developed by Norwegian shipping company, Torghatten, the fully-electric ferry will operate between the Stockholm islands of Kungsholmen and Södermalm.

“Many large cities around the world have problems with congestion, lack of capacity and environmental and air pollution,” explained Reidun Svarva, chief business development officer at Torghatten.

“Self-driving technology will be part of the solution and will be good for both the climate and people,” she added.

Torghatten co-owns autonomous ferry specialist, Zeabuz, which was founded following R&D into sustainable urban mobility at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.

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

Stockholm, with its network of islands, is ideally suited to the self-driving ferry but the plan is to expand the concept to more cities around the world.

Torghatten is also quick to reassure passengers that the self-driving technology is tried and tested and confirms that an operator will be on board at all times during the crossings.