"This is a revolutionary day for everyone," said Stein André Herigstad-Olsen, CEO of Torghatten, the Norwegian company that led the project.
The company claims a world first for an autonomous urban ferry, an area where Scandinavia is at the forefront.
A pilot is currently on board to supervise, but without touching the controls.
It is then planned to become "fully autonomous", says Herigstad-Olsen, who hopes to increase the number of shuttles in circulation in Stockholm and abroad.
The autonomy of the small ferry of about ten meters is possible thanks to different systems, explains to AFP Erik Nilsson, operational head of Torghatten.
"We have the usual radar, AIS, but also additional cameras and ultrasonic systems that allow us to identify" obstacles on the road.
"This autonomous system works like a captain, he sees like a captain and sails like a captain," abounds the CEO.
The safety of passengers will be ensured, according to the company.
"If a canoe appears, we see it in less than a second and update the course" of the shuttle, Nilsson said.
It will be able to carry a maximum of 30 people and the price of a one-way ticket will be 35 Swedish kronor (about 3 euros).
The ferry aims to encourage locals to walk or bike to work, instead of taking the car.
This initiative comes at a time when the electric vessel and automated boat sector is booming.
In November 2021, the first 100% autonomous electric cargo ship was born in Norway: the Yara Birkeland, 80 meters long and 3,200 deadweight tons. But its empowerment will be gradual.
© 2023 AFP