The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), is currently designing a small autonomous passenger ferry for up to 12 passengers. The ferry will bridge a harbor channel in Trondheim, Norway. This paper presents the results of the preliminary hazard analysis conducted in the early design phase of the ferry. The main hazards and envisioned risk reduction measures are associated with software failure, failure of communication system, both internal and external, traffic in the channel,

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... specially kayaks, passenger handling, and monitoring, and weather conditions. In addition, this paper summarizes practical challenges encountered in the ferry project. These challenges are related to available hazard and risk analysis methods and data, determining and establishing an equivalent safety level, and some of the prescriptive regulations currently in use by the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The presented analysis and identified challenges may assist other, similar projects designing and developing autonomous vessels. Develop a robust communication hierarchy and architecture for the components. Use best practices and standards that exist. Employ state of the art error detection and handling mechanisms. Emergency (remote) power off mechanism. Failure of communication systems (external Loss of remote monitoring and control capability. Or Have several redundant ways of communication with the Supervisor/ operations center. Robust and certified communication system.