Abu Dhabi puts self-driving patrol boat through new tests
Vessel assessed for navigation, collision avoidance and remote control capabilities
ABU DHABI – UAE capital has conducted a second round of field trials for a 23-foot autonomous patrol boat as the emirate steps up efforts to develop next-generation maritime mobility.
The trial was carried out by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. Developed by Blue Gulf Group, the vessel was tested in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
The latest exercise took place near Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal and focused on the vessel’s ability to operate safely in public waterways while complying with international rules of the sea, known as COLREGS.
Sea testing
During the trial, the autonomous boat was controlled and monitored from a shore-based control room. Pre-approved scenarios were used to assess how the 23-foot vessel responded to different operational situations, including navigating waterways, detecting other boats and avoiding potential collisions.
The test also examined whether the vessel could stop when commanded and safely return to the control room. These capabilities are central to developing autonomous patrol systems that can support monitoring operations while maintaining appropriate safety standards.
The latest trial follows initial field testing conducted with Blue Gulf Group in May 2026, marking another stage in Abu Dhabi’s efforts to assess autonomous maritime technologies under real-world conditions.
Safety framework
The trials form part of a wider push to establish the regulatory and infrastructure framework needed for autonomous marine transport in the emirate. The Department of Municipalities and Transport has introduced a Manual of Requirements and Controls for Testing Autonomous Marine Crafts, setting out requirements for the safe and secure testing of autonomous and remotely operated vessels.
Abu Dhabi Mobility has also launched the Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime. The centre is part of efforts to strengthen oversight of waterways while supporting the adoption of smart technologies across the maritime sector.
The combined measures are intended to provide an environment for government bodies, private companies and industry partners to test and develop advanced maritime mobility solutions under established safety and regulatory controls.
The initiative also supports Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to strengthen its maritime sector through advanced technologies, smart infrastructure and modern monitoring systems, with a focus on public safety, sustainability and operational efficiency.