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PRESS RELEASE
On August 30th, Zeam, Zeabuz, and Tele2 carried out a ground-breaking demonstration of the world’s first self-driving electric ferry, the MF Estelle, which can now also be operated via remote control. The demonstration showed how the ferry autonomously crossed Riddarfjärden in Stockholm using Tele2’s advanced 5G network and IoT technology, before an operator in Trondheim, Norway, took control from 600 kilometers away to demonstrate the remote-control capability.
The demonstration marks a major step forward in the development of autonomous maritime transport and demonstrates the possibilities of using 5G and IoT to create sustainable and efficient transport solutions. MF Estelle, which was launched in Stockholm in the spring of 2023, is built with sustainability and technology in focus.
During the demonstration, advanced sensors such as radar, lidar, and cameras were used to collect and analyze data about the ferry’s surroundings, enabling safe autonomous navigation. Security measures, including robust encryption and a physical emergency stop button on board, ensure the ferry’s remote-control system is both safe and reliable.
“The remote control of MF Estelle is an important milestone in our vision to allow commanders to work from a monitoring center on land instead of on board. This means that a single commander can monitor several ferries at the same time and, if necessary, control them remotely, although in most cases they are driven autonomously. This improves resource utilization and makes operations more cost-effective and sustainable,” says Erik Nilsson, operations manager at Zeam. “There are incredible efficiency opportunities in waterborne mobility, and we are convinced that ships like MF Estelle will play a decisive role for an energy-efficient infrastructure.”
The technology not only means cost savings, but also higher security and increased availability. By monitoring ferries at the same time, the use of waterways can be optimized while offering the city’s residents smoother transport solutions.
“MF Estelle is a shining example of how 5G and IoT combined with AI can revolutionize the way people travel in the future. By enabling real-time monitoring and remote control from long distances, we open up a new era of smart, autonomous and sustainable transport solutions,” says Stefan Trampus, business area manager for the corporate market at Tele2.
With support from Torghatten, one of Scandinavia’s largest shipping companies and owner of Zeam, the work now continues together with research institutes such as RISE to further develop the technology and expand its use in future projects. An important part of this work is to ensure that all safety requirements are met, as well as to explore the possibilities of running the ferries completely unmanned in the future.
For more information please contact:
Julia Setterberg, 0704746163, Julia@zeam.se
Jessica Hjälmered, +46 (0)8 121 47 400, jessica.hjalmered@tele2.com
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About Zeam
Zeam is the world’s first electrically powered, autonomous ferry. With Zeam you get across Riddarfjärden, fast, comfortable and climate-smart – every 15 minutes, 15 hours a day.
About Zeabuz:
Zeabuz is a Norwegian startup that develops maritime self-driving technology.
Tele2 is a leading telecom company with the aim of enabling a society with unlimited possibilities. Through our networks and services — which range from broadband, data networks, mobile and fixed telephony to TV, streaming and global IoT services — we are deeply connected to every part of today’s digital lifestyle. By making our infrastructure more powerful, safe and sustainable, we enable the same kind of development of society. Tele2 was founded in 1993 and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. In 2023, the company had a turnover of SEK 29 billion, with an underlying EBITDAaL of SEK 10 billion. For the latest news and financial definitions, please see our website www.tele2.com