CAPTN vaiaro is an autonomous electric ferry concept for kiel fjord in germany

what will mobility look like in the future? a team of designers from the CAPTN initiative has answered this question with two autonomous ferry concepts powered by electricity. the designers have developed the alternative modes of transport for the port city of kiel based on the city’s geographic location and traffic situation. the project, called ‘CAPTN vaiaro’, presents a possible future for ferry traffic on kiel fjord.

‘floating platform’ at the ferry pier

images courtesy of CAPTN

several scientists and working groups are involved in the project, namely from kiel university, kiel university of applied sciences, muthesius university of fine arts and design, and representatives from politics, administration and industry. the CAPTN initiative addresses the entire mobility chain, including connections between bus and ferry services. based on an electric, autonomous ferry, two concepts have been developed for the vaiaro project, called ‘floating platform’ and ‘passage’ respectively. each concept tackles the brief with a different approach. 

two ferries meet on the fjord

by utilizing electric propulsion, the ferries boast quiet, emission-free travel, with electricity from renewable sources. autonomous operation, in turn, can increase the frequency of service significantly. the ferry is available on-demand at all times, and operation is possible around the clock, every day. designed with CAPTN’s motto, ‘making innovations visible’, in mind, the new ferry also hopes to establish a new landmark for kiel.

‘floating platform’ interior

video courtesy of CAPTN

two ‘passage’ ferries meet on the fjord

‘passage’ nearing the docking station

‘passage’ at the docking station

‘passage’ interior

‘passage’ at night

‘floating platform’ at night

project info:

name: CAPTN vaiaro

initiative: CAPTN

design team: simeon ortmüller, vincent steinhart-besser, yigang shen, jingyue chen, tobias gehrke

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.