Estelle (unmanned ferry)

2023: Ferry launch

In early June 2023, the Norwegian company Torghatten introduced the autonomous passenger ferry Estelle, which does not need a captain. The cost of the vessel is $1.6 million, the initiative to organize the crossing was the result of private and public cooperation and was partially funded by the EU.

In Sweden, the world's first unmanned electric ferry Estelle began operating between the islands of Stockholm in mid-2023. The high-tech vessel will move between the quay at Kungsholmen and Södermalm, every 15 minutes Estelle can carry up to 30 passengers and is 10 m long, and a one-way ticket costs €3. The test launch took place on June 8, 2023, a full start for everyone on June 12.

Estelle (unmanned ferry)

Operates the AI ferry. Software algorithms read the data that the sensors collect: gyroscopes, cameras, accelerometers, GPS and Wi-Fi modules, as well as 5G and IoT sensors. All information is transmitted to the cloud, so a powerful 5G antenna is installed on the Estelle ferry, which provides a reliable connection with high bandwidth. The marine facility has an electric motor with a capacity of 200 kVt⋅ch. On the roof of the ferry, Torghatten placed solar panels capable of charging the vessel's batteries by 50%.

For June 14, 2023, the excursions are accompanied by the captain, but his task is mainly to monitor the behavior of the vessel, something like a human autopilot. Due to the fact that the Swedish government for June 2023 requires the presence of a captain on any ship. Torghatten plans to negotiate with the authorities and switch to remote control from the shore in 2024, in normal times AI will be managed. But Martin Blom, a ship inspector with the Swedish Transport Agency, notes that it is likely to be necessary to amend the Maritime Law before autonomous passenger traffic is allowed in Sweden.^[1]

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