Solutions · Public transport
Autonomous ferries, improving crossing by crossing.
Crew shortages and rising costs are squeezing passenger-ferry operators. Roboat retrofits your existing ferries with a vessel-automation system that takes over the repetitive work (crossing, docking and holding station) while the crew stays in command. Proven in daily service on GVB's Amsterdam IJ ferries.
- Vessel type
- Passenger ferries
- Operation
- Inland & harbor crossings
- Proven with
- GVB Veren, Amsterdam
- Commissioning
- Weeks, not months
In service
Crossing and docking, on its own.
On GVB's IJ ferries the system runs the crossing end to end (planning the route, giving way to traffic and docking) with the skipper supervising and able to take over at any moment.
Capabilities
Cross. Dock. Operate.
Plans the crossing and holds the line across the channel, tracking every vessel (with AIS or without) and giving way on its own while the crew supervises.
Sees other craft and obstacles on the water and brakes automatically when something enters the path.
Repeats the same clean crossing every run, smoothing throttle and timing for fuel and comfort.
Lines up the approach and lays the hull alongside, easing onto the quay gently on the fuel and the fenders.
Holds station against wind, current and wash while passengers board, hands off the wheel.
Keeps its position under bridges and where GPS is weak, jammed or spoofed, using lidar and system identification.
Every ferry live on one map (status, energy and alarms) so the operation is run from shore.
Review any crossing second by second for training, incidents and accountability.
Maintenance and operations reports generated from the data your fleet already produces.
FAQ
Autonomous ferries, answered.
- What is an autonomous ferry system?
- An autonomous ferry system automates a passenger ferry's repetitive maneuvers (crossing, giving way, docking and holding station) under crew supervision. Roboat's system retrofits onto existing ferries and earns capability over time, from assistance today toward fuller autonomy as scenarios are cleared with crews, insurers and regulators.
- How does Roboat automate a passenger ferry?
- Roboat adds sensors, compute and controls to the ferry you already operate and integrates with your thrusters over a single 10 Hz interface. The system then handles autocrossing, autodocking and dynamic positioning, while a shore dashboard shows every vessel live. No black boxes, and you keep full ownership of your data.
- Can a ferry dock itself?
- Yes. Autodocking lines up the approach and lays the hull alongside the quay, easing on gently to save fuel and fenders, while dynamic positioning holds the vessel steady against wind and current as passengers board. The crew supervises and can take control at any moment.
- Does it keep working when GPS is jammed or blocked?
- Yes. Roboat combines GPS with lidar and system identification, so the ferry holds its position under bridges and where GPS is weak, jammed or spoofed (a growing concern in European waters) and finishes the maneuver either way.
- How long does it take to retrofit a ferry?
- Commissioning is measured in weeks, not months. Roboat builds on the equipment your ferry already has and integrates with the suppliers you already use, so most of the vessel is untouched, and there is no vendor lock-in.
Contact
Start the conversation.
Wherever you are on the journey, exploring, electrifying, or ready to retrofit: tell us about your operation and we'll show you what the first step looks like.