The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has announced a trial run of electric, driverless abra boats in the city’s waters.
These autonomous electric abra boats have a capacity to carry up to eight passengers and were designed to preserve the traditional look of abras. The trial operation, which covered the journey from Al Jaddaf Station to the Festival City Station on Dubai Creek, is part of the RTA’s efforts to convert 25 percent of all mobility journeys in Dubai to self-driving trips by 2030.
The boats have zero carbon emissions and reduce operating and maintenance costs by 30 percent compared to diesel-powered boats.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, “The Autonomous Electric Abra boasts superb features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs by 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.
“RTA adopted new technologies in designing the structure of the Autonomous Electric Abra and used fibreglass in the hull to reduce the weight.”
The autonomous procedures guarantee 100 percent adherence to the predetermined route, taking into account the effects of waves and wind. They are also capable of detecting any obstacles on the boat’s navigational path and immediately notifying the control centre of any system defects or deviations from the operating plan. In case of obstacles during the journey, the procedures can intervene, and additional scenarios are programmed to manage the situation.
The trial was carried out in cooperation with Exalto Emirates and Marakeb companies, and the boats achieved Level 4 out of the six international autonomy levels for ship design and operation. The RTA plans to further develop these boats and increase the capacity of traditional abra stations in Dubai Creek.
“RTA will develop automated anchoring operations and scenarios for making decisions during manoeuvring and emergency, follow up the maturity of the system to reach Level 5 of autonomy levels and coordinate with the Dubai Maritime City Authority in matters related to the legislation of autonomous marine means,” added Al Tayer.
The RTA has created a comprehensive plan to enhance the marine transportation infrastructure, which is crucial for seamless mobility across the Emirate. Marine transport facilitated transportation for around 16 million riders in 2022. The plan encompasses the establishment of four conventional abra stations in Dubai Creek, specifically in Bur Dubai, Deira Old Souk, Dubai Old Souk, and Al Sabkha.
