Abu Dhabi tests AI-powered driverless patrol boats in major maritime safety push

Abu Dhabi is currently testing a series of autonomous AI-powered patrol boats as part of a major push to support maritime security and law enforcement.

Once the field trials are complete, the patrol boats will be used to monitor inland waterways across the emirate.

Measuring 7m, the new driverless patrol boats are the result of a partnership between the Integrated Transport Centre (affiliated to the Department of Municipalities and Transport), the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), the Blue Gulf Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime.

The trials are aimed at deploying an advanced maritime solution to boost maritime safety along Abu Dhabi's inland waterways and integrating artificial intelligence and other technologies within the upcominng vessels, in line with the UAE's larger goals to increase the adoption of autonomous technology on land and sea.

The field trials for the driverless patrol boat are also a part of the emirate's vision to become a key global hub for innovation and smart mobility.

In fact, the ITC's autonomous boat trials come months after ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) launched its first AI-powered autonomous vessels last year, designed for remote maritime operations.

The vessels—which will be delivered after construction in late 2026—also have satellite-linked controls, a hybrid power supply system, and will be remotely operated from a dedicated ADNOC L&S control centre in Mussafah.

Advanced tech is also said to be a key part of the advanced patrol and interception vessels being built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) for the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) as part of an AED 175 million deal inked in Fberuary 2023.

First announced at the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2023), the ADSB's 120 Fast Inshore Platform (FIP) and 160 Inshore Tactical Engagement Platform (ITEP) vessels are designed for near shore rescue and extended search and rescue (SAR) missions.