Falco makes world's first autonomous ferry crossing

The Falco used a combination of Rolls-Royce Ship Intelligence technologies to make the outward journey. The vessel detected objects using sensor fusion and artificial intelligence and conducted collision avoidance. It also demonstrated automatic berthing with an autonomous navigation system, a feature that enables the vessel to automatically alter course and speed when approaching the quay.

According to Rolls-Royce, the Falco is equipped with advanced sensors which allows it to build a detailed picture of its surroundings in real time. The situational awareness picture is created by fusing sensor data and relaying it to Finferries’ remote operating centre on land, which is 50km away in Turku city centre. Here, a captain monitors the autonomous operations, and can take control of the vessel if necessary.

Earlier this year Rolls-Royce and Finferries began collaborating on SVAN (Safer Vessel with Autonomous Navigation), to continue implementing the findings from the earlier Advanced Autonomous Waterborne Applications (AAWA) research project, funded by Business Finland.