Tony, an autonomous 3D-printed boat has passed through Paris

From November 27 to December 3, 2024, the Villette basin hosted Tony, a revolutionary boat, in Paris.

Both autonomous, electric, and manufactured through 3D printing, Tony paves the way for a new era in urban inland waterway transportation. It was originally designed through a partnership between the startup Roboat, the Holland Shipyards group, and the company Sequana Développement.

Tony is a ferry measuring 9 meters in length and 3.9 meters in width. It is distinguished by its manufacturing method: its body was 3D printed using recyclable materials, which helps reduce production costs while respecting the environment.

The boat of the future

The boat operates using entirely electric propulsion, powered by a zero-emission battery. Four electric motors ensure its movement, including two main thrusters and two bow thrusters. This design guarantees a cleaner and more sustainable inland waterway transport, an asset in the context of the energy transition.

Tony is also autonomous, meaning it can navigate without a pilot onboard. Thanks to an intelligent navigation system, it adapts to the conditions of urban waterways. Changing currents or winds do not hinder its movements, and it can perform complex maneuvers, such as passing under bridges or crossing locks.

A key demonstration for the future of river mobility

Currently in the testing phase, Tony carried out its first trial in the Villette basin. Although a pilot is still present for safety reasons, the goal was to gather data to improve its navigation system. Companies working on this project plan for large-scale production in the future. This boat represents a significant advance in sustainable river transportation. It may also inspire other cities to adopt similar solutions.

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