Norwegian maritime technology company Zeabuz and Canadian autonomous urban transport specialist Future Marine have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to partner on the development of a 12-passenger autonomous electric ferry prototype that is set to commence operations in 2025.
Future Marine has selected Zeabuz as the sole technology provider of autonomy solutions for the project.
The ferry prototype will undergo rigorous trials in Canada, with the primary objective of achieving certification for autonomous, low-emission operations. The collaboration's long-term goal is the deployment of autonomous electric ferries in urban centres across Canada.
Zeabuz CEO Øyvind Smogeli said the collaboration with Future Marine represents Zeabuz' entry into the North American market.
The company has also provided support for other autonomous electric vessel projects in Sweden, Norway, and Singapore. The vessels in Sweden and Singapore have been in operation since 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Future Marine has been proposing electric ferries as an alternate means of transport to reduce road congestion and lower green house gas emissions.