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Electric Driverless Abras Set To Revolutionize Dubai's Waterways | |
| Sumita Pawar |
Dubai is set to trial electric driverless abras in city waters as part of the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) efforts to achieve Dubai’s Strategy for Self-Driving Transport.
The first autonomous electric abra, which can carry eight passengers, was manufactured locally at RTA’s Al Garhoud Marine Maintenance Centre.
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Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said, "The operation of the autonomous electric abra is in line with RTA’s efforts to achieve Dubai’s Strategy for Self-Driving Transport, which aims to convert 25 percent of the total mobility journeys in Dubai into self-driving journeys by 2030.
"It also contributes to the realisation of Dubai’s master plan to curb carbon emissions from public transport means as per the requirements of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy."
"The Autonomous Electric Abra boasts superb features highlighted by zero carbon emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs by 30 percent, 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", he added.
The craft features a design that preserves the heritage identity of abras. During the trial, the autonomous electric abra achieved Level 4 out of the six levels of the international autonomy levels for ship design and operation.
The RTA has developed a master plan to develop marine transport means, which includes the development of four traditional abra stations in Dubai Creek.