MF Estelle during one of her first trips, Source: Zeabuz
Ron Bernthal
In June, 2023, residents and visitors in Stockholm, saw the MF Estelle inaugurated and christened at Norr Mälarstrand in Stockholm, where the ferry line will start operating regularly. The ferry company Torghatten, and the Norwegian technology company Zeabuz, are behind the pioneering mobility concept in Stockholm.
“Estelle is a sustainable and green pioneer, offering a solution to traffic congestion and inspiring alternative modes of transportation,” said Stein Andre Herigstad-Olsen, CEO of Torghatten AS. “With its electric, self-driving capabilities and advanced digital security, Estelle sets the stage for future advancements in the industry. We are incredibly proud to be part of this historic moment, launching the world’s first commercial, emission-free, electric, autonomous passenger ferry right in the heart of a Scandinavian metropolis.”
Zeam – Twilight (Image Torghatten)
This venture aims to create a network of virtual bridges, utilizing waterways to alleviate road congestion and promote affordable, environmentally friendly, and safe urban mobility.
Torghatten, supported by Zeabuz’s cutting-edge technology, envisions a future where autonomous ferries, operating under the brand name Zeam (Zero Emission Autonomous Mobility), seamlessly connect neighborhoods and cities worldwide. Zeabuz’s contribution includes developing advanced autonomous technology and ensuring the ferry operates efficiently and securely.
“We aim to radically change the way we think about mobility by creating shortcuts in cities, utilizing urban waterways as virtual bridges, enabled by the Zeabuz autonomy solutions,” said Erik Dyrkoren, CEO of Zeabuz. “Our collaboration with Torghatten seeks to connect communities affordably and sustainably, not only in Stockholm but in the large number of cities with navigable waters world-wide. The launch of this service marks a significant step towards realizing this vision.”
Image: Zeabuz
The key to the new mobility service is the scalable and adaptable technology “under the hood” of the ferry. The innovative Smart Navigation Technology comprises a series of autonomy solutions, from decision support to assisted navigation and remotely supervised autonomy.
“This differentiation is the key to scalability,” said Øyvind Smogeli, CTO at Zeabuz. “Our products and solutions can support a wide range of operational setups, focusing on efficient human-machine collaboration at different levels of autonomy.”
As a professor of Maritime Autonomyat the Norwegian University of Technology and Science, Mr. Smogeli has been vital in developing the new product range.
Zeam_Söder (Image Torghatten)
“Our technology is adaptable to various segments, vessel types, and mobility concepts,” said Smogeli. Water shuttles, workboats, fast ferries, car ferries, and inland waterway transport are examples that all can benefit from the Smart Navigation product line,” .
Zeabuz also recently teamed up with Singaporean Yinson Green Tech, planning to boost the safety and efficiency of their new fleet of electric harbor crafts.
Equipped with state-of-the-art autonomous technology, IMF Estelle will initially have an operator on board. However, the ultimate goal is for the ferry to become fully self-driving, monitored from the shore.
MF Estelle’s regular operations began in mid-June. Initially, the ferry will operate four departures per hour, gradually increasing to a departure every 15 minutes for 15 hours daily. This phased approach optimizes energy consumption and travel patterns.
