Belfast Harbor is set to debut the Harlander, Northern Ireland’s first self-driving passenger vehicle, in March 2025. The autonomous nine-seater shuttle will provide free last-mile connectivity in the Titanic Quarter, linking Titanic Halt Railway Station with nearby businesses, tourist attractions, and educational institutions. The pilot program represents a significant milestone in advancing autonomous transport in the UK.
The pilot service, running from March to September 2025, will include a safety operator on board to monitor operations. The Harlander’s route will enhance public transport accessibility, connecting transit hubs to various facilities in the Titanic Quarter.
“We’re incredibly excited to have visited HORIBA MIRA’s Connected and Autonomous Vehicle testing facility near Coventry to see the Harlander in action,” said Mike Dawson of Belfast Harbor. “We’re looking forward to people experiencing the service themselves as we start the pilot on the Harbor Estate.”
The project, backed by £11 million in funding—£5.5 million of which is from Innovate UK—aims to showcase the potential of autonomous vehicle technology. Developed in partnership with a consortium including eVersum, Oxa, Angoka, BT, and HORIBA MIRA, the Harlander was tested at HORIBA MIRA’s Connected and Autonomous Vehicle facility in Coventry before its launch in Belfast.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Innovate UK and the Center for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles to demonstrate the practical benefits of connected and autonomous projects across the UK. To date, the organizations have invested £41.5 million into similar innovations nationwide.