"Suomenlinna" ice-class ferry piloted near Helsinki
Goal
Testing of unmanned technologies on water transport
Project
The Department of Transportation worked with technology company ABB to conduct the world’s first test of autonomous transportation using an existing passenger Suomenlinna ferry.
The Suomenlinna ferry was upgraded with an ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control dynamic positioning system.
Although it now has a new dynamic positioning system, the ferry will continue to operate using conventional onboard control systems. Research and development will continue.
Autonomous solutions are expected to transform international transportation in the coming decades as the industry recovers from the recession caused by the 2008 financial crisis
Results
State: increasing the number and transportation safety
Citizens: increasing the safety of water transportation
December 4, 2018, First test run
