Mastering mobility: the untapped potential of urban waterways

Throughout history, cities have been established along rivers, canals and coastlines. Vital to survival, these waterways enabled the movement of people and goods for the ever-growing populations that settled there. From the island of Manhattan to the canals of Venice, and further still, to the port of Shanghai, water-based mobility has played an essential role in urban development. In the modern era, cars have overshadowed the historical role of waterways, leaving many urban channels underutilised. In fact, 2023 data shows inland waterway freight at its lowest since 2005—a striking contrast to the e-commerce boom and rapid urbanisation of recent decades. 

With the advent of automobiles and the creation of sprawling road networks for individual vehicle use, cities turned away from their waterways. This shift has ultimately resulted in increased road congestion, air and noise pollution, and inefficient land use, prioritising public spaces for vehicles instead of people.  

Today, as cities grapple with these challenges, and aim to move towards a future with net-zero transport emissions, a renewed interest in water-based transport is emerging. Reintegrating waterways into urban mobility systems could provide a sustainable, low or no-emission alternative that eases pressure on existing infrastructure while making cities more liveable and enjoyable.  

Reutilising urban waterways with innovative solutions 

Sailing the Seine, and beyond, with Bout 

While residents and visitors may have a desire to utilise water-based transport, it is not always easy to access. That is why Finnish startup Bout has developed a mobile app that connects passengers with boat operators, functioning as a sort of waterborne ride-hailing app to facilitate flexible, on-demand travel. With a focus on increasing accessibility, Bout’s platform allows users to book everything from private boat taxis to water shuttles and sightseeing tours.  

The startup expanded into the Parisian market just in time for the 2024 Olympics, signalling the growing recognition of waterways as a key part of urban mobility. By integrating the Seine into the city’s transport network and making the iconic river a more mainstream transport option, Bout’s solution helped to alleviate congestion while offering a novel, scenic way to navigate the French capital. 

Smart water shuttles for city transport 

Norwegian startup Hyke is working to maximise usage of our urban waterways with their fully electric smart city shuttles designed to integrate seamlessly into existing public transport networks. With a capacity of 50-70 passengers, Hyke’s Smart City Shuttle prioritises inclusivity, and are designed to accommodate wheelchair users, cyclists, families with strollers and cargo bikes. Their autonomous navigation system optimises route efficiency, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while remaining aware of weather and water conditions. 

Zero-emission waterborne public transport with Zeam 

Norwegian startup Zeabuz is leading the charge in waterborne innovation with the world’s first autonomous electric passenger ferries. Initially an initiative of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Zeabuz focuses on providing zero-emissions, efficient and accessible transport across urban waterways. Their ferries, operating under the brand Zeam (Zero Emission Autonomous Mobility), leverage artificial intelligence and sensor technology to navigate independently, reducing reliance on human operators. 

Unlike traditional ferry schedules, autonomous vessels can operate on-demand, reducing waiting times, creating greater flexibility and optimising routes. Carl Petersson, Business Development Manager for Zeabuz explains, “Autonomous water transport can be better than traditional water transport – you can go electric sooner, because you can build smaller vessels and still be competitive with costs.” 

Additionally, their electric propulsion system offers a more sustainable alternative to individual vehicle use that can be even more convenient than existing modes of transport. In Stockholm for example, the launching of Zeabuz’s first commercial ferry in 2023, in collaboration with ferry operator Torghatten, opened a new route for city residents to utilise. A frequent rider of the Zeam ferry explained, “I have been using the ferry ever since it started. Usually, my commute is about 40 minutes long, because you have to go around to use the bridges, whereas the ferry can shorten that commute to work to only 10 minutes.” 

Zeam itself is electric, cutting emissions on its own – but an additional emissions reduction comes from the cars that it takes off of city streets, giving public space and cleaner air back to residents. 

A future on the waterfront 

As cities work to reduce their carbon emissions, while still meeting the mobility needs of their residents, urban waterways offer a time-tested solution. Companies like Bout, Hyke, and Zeabuz, amongst others, are demonstrating that water-based transport can be sustainable, efficient, scalable and even enjoyable. By adopting these advancements, cities can reclaim their historic relationship with water, transforming underused waterways into vital components of modern mobility networks.