Abu Dhabi Tests Patrol Boat for Waterway Monitoring
The 23-foot vessel was tested for autonomous navigation, vessel detection, collision avoidance and compliance with international maritime rules.
Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) has conducted a second field trial of an autonomous patrol boat developed by Blue Gulf Group to support monitoring operations across the emirate’s public waterways, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
The trial took place near Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
Autonomous patrol capabilities combine vessel detection, collision avoidance and remote control from a shore-based monitoring centre.
The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) leads Abu Dhabi’s strategy for the development and adoption of smart and autonomous systems, while Abu Dhabi Mobility, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, is responsible for implementing and regulating transport initiatives across the emirate, including autonomous maritime mobility.
Autonomous Patrol Meets Maritime Security
Testing focused on the 23-foot vessel’s compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). From a shore-based control room, operators assessed its ability to navigate autonomously, detect other vessels, avoid collisions, stop on command and safely return to the control point.
The latest trial follows initial field tests conducted with Blue Gulf Group in May 2026.
The project forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader development of autonomous maritime operations. The Department of Municipalities and Transport has also introduced a regulatory framework for testing autonomous and remotely operated marine craft, while Abu Dhabi Mobility and Abu Dhabi Maritime have launched a Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre.
The trial follows the launch of Abu Dhabi’s Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre, which integrates radar, CCTV, communications, sensor networks and AI-supported analytics to strengthen maritime monitoring across the emirate.
