Semi-autonomous ferry between Oberbillig and Mertert
The electric ferry "Sankta Maria II" between the municipality of Oberbillig (DE) and the municipality of Mertert (LU) will soon operate (semi-)autonomously. The innovative pioneering project "AquaPilot" aims to significantly strengthen cross-border mobility between Luxembourg and Germany. The project is funded by the European Union.
With partial automation, the ferry can be operated by an assistant instead of a skipper. This makes operations more reliable and future-proof in times of skilled labor shortages; operating hours can also be extended. This improves connections to buses, trains, and cycle paths and facilitates combined, cross-border mobility in everyday life and during leisure time. "AquaPilot" is thus a significant step toward a citizen-friendly and climate-friendly region.
To implement this pioneering project, the electric ferry's technology will be upgraded: Modern technology, from sensors and intelligent controls to digital ticket systems and adapted berths, will then enable environmentally friendly and efficient operation with reduced on-board personnel. In a second step, fully automated electric ferries would also be possible.
The “AquaPilot” project runs from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2028, and has a total budget of EUR 1,960,900. The Upper Moselle Valley Development Concept (EOM) is supporting this with EUR 1,176,540 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European cooperation program Interreg Greater Region 2021-2027.
In addition to the municipality of Mertert as the lead partner and the local municipality of Oberbillig, in cooperation with the Konz municipality association, the Luxembourg Ministry of Mobility and Public Works as well as the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture are further co-financing partners of the project.
Objectives of future investments within the “Aquapilot” project:
• Increase in passenger volume
• Reduction of CO₂ emissions through more efficient operation
• Promoting sustainable tourism in the Greater Region
• Extended operating hours and improved operational safety, especially for commuters
• Improved connection to local public transport
• Knowledge transfer at European level
The municipality of Mertert, which is leading the project, the local municipality of Oberbillig, and the Konz municipal administration would like to thank all project partners and the European Union for supporting this pioneering project. "AquaPilot" is a project of the EOM (Upper Moselle Valley Development Concept – Interreg).
