Launched by "Dubai Roads" with specifications that preserve the heritage identity
The first self-driving electric abra to be launched in Dubai Creek experimentally
Mattar Al Tayer: "The self-driving electric abra is characterized by zero carbon emissions and a 30% reduction in operation and maintenance costs."
The lesson was made locally at the Garhoud Marine Maintenance Workshop. From the source
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Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial operation of the first self-driving electric abra, with a capacity of eight passengers, manufactured locally by the efforts of the authority's employees at the Garhoud Marine Maintenance Workshop, and taking into account the preservation of the heritage identity of the abra, and the first flight of the abra started on Dubai Creek, from Al Jaddaf station to Festival City station.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of DEWA's Board of Directors, said that the operation of the self-driving electric abra comes as part of DEWA's efforts to implement the Dubai Strategy for Self-Driving Transport, which aims to convert 25% of all mobility trips in Dubai to self-driving trips by 2030, as well as in line with the comprehensive plan to reduce carbon emissions in the mass transport sector, in accordance with the requirements of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.
He said that the self-driving abra is characterized by zero carbon emissions, a reduction in operating and maintenance costs by 30%, and no noise compared to diesel-powered abra, noting that the abra is equipped with two electric motors, and its speed reaches seven knots, and it is also equipped with a self-driving control system, and four lithium batteries capable of operating the abra for seven hours, and modern techniques were used in the design of the structure to reduce its weight, as the abra hull was made of fiberglass.
He explained that the lesson achieved during the last trial period, level No. 4 out of 6, of the level of self-driving means, in accordance with the approved international standards for the classification of self-driving means, and included the experiments carried out in cooperation with the Emirates Exaltwa Company, and the Boats Company operating and implementing procedures in a fully autonomous manner and independent of the captain, whose task is limited to intervening in time of need as an operating supervisor, and 100% commitment to the predetermined path, despite the effects of waves and winds, and the detection of obstacles in the shipping line, In the coming period, the authority will develop automated docking operations, and scenarios for taking the decision to control the means during maneuvers and emergencies, follow up the maturity of the system and reach the fifth stage of the level of self-driving means, and coordinate with Dubai Maritime City Authority regarding legislation on means Self-driving marines.
Al Tayer added that DEWA has developed a comprehensive plan to develop the maritime transport system, which is a vital means of transport in the Emirate of Dubai, where the number of users last year reached about 16 million passengers. The plan includes the development of four heritage abra stations in Dubai Creek (Bur Dubai Model, Old Deira Souk, Dubai Old Souk and Sabkha), which will increase the capacity of the Abra stations by 33%, with the use of advanced materials and technologies to reduce maintenance expenses and increase the life of assets, develop lighting at stations and marinas, and provide customer facilities and investment sites.