Abu Dhabi launches autonomous boat trials

Abu Dhabi has completed a second round of field trials involving an autonomous patrol boat designed to travel through waterways, detect other vessels, avoid collisions and respond to commands from a shore-based control room. The 23-foot vessel was tested near Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal as Abu Dhabi develops autonomous patrol capabilities to support monitoring operations across the emirate’s public waterways.

The Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, conducted the second round of field trials on the autonomous patrol boat developed by Blue Gulf Group.

The trials were conducted under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. The latest test took place in the vicinity of Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

The trial evaluated the 23-foot vessel’s compliance with international rules of the sea (COLREGS). From a shore-based control room, the vessel was put through pre-approved scenario stages designed to monitor its autonomous capabilities.

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These included its ability to handle, detect other boats, avoid collisions, stop on command and safely return to the control room.

The latest trials followed initial field tests conducted with Blue Gulf Group in May 2026. The goal of the trials is to develop autonomous patrol capabilities that can support monitoring operations across public waterways in Abu Dhabi.

This initiative forms part of the Integrated Transport Centre’s work to develop the emirate’s smart mobility ecosystem and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global maritime hub. They are investing in advanced technologies, innovative solutions and modern monitoring frameworks intended to support public safety, sustainability and operational efficiency.

The development of autonomous patrol boats has the potential to significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime operations in Abu Dhabi, and the emirate’s investment in this technology is a step towards creating a more modern and sustainable transportation system. It is part of wider efforts to support next-generation maritime mobility in the emirate.

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The Department of Municipalities and Transport recently introduced the Manual of Requirements and Controls for Testing Autonomous Marine Crafts. The manual provides a framework for the safe and secure testing of autonomous and remotely operated vessels.

The Integrated Transport Centre has also launched the Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime. These initiatives are intended to create an environment for the development and deployment of advanced maritime mobility solutions through regulation, smart infrastructure and governance, while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a centre for maritime innovation.

Unmanned surface vehicles like the autonomous patrol boat being tested in Abu Dhabi have the potential to play a significant role in the future of maritime operations, and the emirate’s efforts to develop and regulate this technology are an important step towards realizing this potential.

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