SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 19, 2025 – Belfast Harbour has announced the successful testing of the Harlander, Northern Ireland’s first autonomous passenger vehicle, at its automotive engineering partner Horiba Mira. This crucial step paves the way for the shuttle's anticipated delivery to Belfast in March 2025.
Harlander: A New Era for Belfast Transportation
The Harlander represents a significant leap forward in Northern Ireland's transportation landscape. This self-driving vehicle, designed to carry nine passengers along with a safety operator, will operate within the Belfast Harbour Estate. Its route will connect Titanic Halt Railway station to Catalyst through Titanic Quarter, providing vital last-mile connectivity. This innovative service aims to seamlessly link public transportation networks with businesses, tourist attractions, and education and leisure facilities, enhancing accessibility and convenience for all.
Pilot Program and Community Benefits
A pilot program, running from March to September 2025, will offer free rides on the Harlander, allowing the public to experience the future of transportation firsthand. This initiative will provide valuable data and feedback, contributing to the ongoing development and optimization of the autonomous shuttle service.
A Collaborative Effort for Innovation
Belfast Harbour is spearheading this groundbreaking project in partnership with a consortium of industry leaders, including eVersum, Oxa, Angoka, BT, and Horiba Mira. This collaboration brings together expertise from various sectors, ensuring the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the Harlander project.
Funding and Investment in the Future of Transportation
The Harlander initiative has secured £11m (US$13.4m) in joint government and industry funding. This includes a significant contribution of £5.5m (US$6.7m) from Innovate UK, which is collaborating with the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles to invest £41.5m (US$50.5m) in projects across the UK. These investments demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing connected and autonomous vehicle technology and realizing its potential benefits for communities nationwide.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
While specific quotes were not provided in the source material, it is anticipated that representatives from Belfast Harbour and partner organizations will share their enthusiasm for this project closer to the launch date. These quotes will likely highlight the project's significance for Belfast's transportation infrastructure, its potential economic impact, and the collaborative spirit driving its development. For example, a representative from Belfast Harbour might say, "The Harlander represents a major investment in the future of Belfast, offering a sustainable and efficient transportation solution for residents and visitors alike." A spokesperson from Innovate UK could add, "This project showcases the UK's leadership in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology, and we are proud to support its advancement." A partner like Oxa, specializing in autonomous vehicle software, might comment, "We are excited to contribute our expertise to this project, helping to create a safer and more connected transportation experience for the people of Belfast."
Looking Ahead: The Future of Autonomous Transportation in Belfast
The Harlander project signifies a major step towards integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday life. The pilot program will provide crucial insights into public perception and acceptance of this technology, as well as its practical application in a real-world setting. The data collected will be invaluable for future development and expansion of autonomous transportation services in Belfast and beyond. The successful testing at Horiba Mira marks a significant milestone, and anticipation is building for the Harlander's launch in March 2025. This initiative positions Belfast as a leader in smart city innovation, paving the way for a more connected and sustainable future.
For more information visit.