Abu Dhabi recently completed a second phase of field trials for an autonomous patrol boat, marking a significant step forward in the emirate’s push for smart maritime technology. Developed by the Blue Gulf Group, the 23-foot vessel successfully navigated the waters near the Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal under remote supervision from a shore-based control center. These tests were carefully managed by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, to evaluate the boat’s ability to navigate independently while strictly adhering to international maritime safety regulations, known as COLREGS.

The trial focused on critical operational capabilities, including collision avoidance, vessel detection, and the ability to execute emergency stop commands before returning to base. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to modernize its waterway monitoring systems, supported by the recently launched Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre. Furthermore, the Department of Municipalities and Transport has established a new regulatory framework to govern these tests, ensuring that the deployment of such autonomous technologies maintains high safety and efficiency standards across the region’s public marine routes.