The Port of Antwerp is working with UAntwerp on research
into autonomous shipping, but unlike other projects, their focus is on the
critical but less high-profile segment of inland shipping. Inspired by the way
bats see the world, the project is using 3D sonar sensors to develop automated
navigation technology. Like the mammals,
they are using a form of echolocation technology where they emit sound waves,
and when those waves hit objects they produce echoes that the mammals use to
avoid obstacles.
“In 2019, over 42 percent of all goods entered or left the
port of Antwerp via inland waterways,” says port alderman Annick De Ridder. “In
other words, inland shipping is crucial if we want to ensure the accessibility
of our city and our port. By focusing on technology such as unmanned
navigation, we want to further increase both the market share and the
competitiveness of inland shipping.”
Svetlana Samsonova who coordinates joint research projects
carried out by the University of Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp notes,
“Unfortunately, inland shipping is not exactly a sexy sector. Attracting young
talent to this sector is not an easy feat. That's why we focus so strongly on
innovation. Unmanned vessels can lead to substantial cost savings, as well as
provide an answer to our increasing traffic congestion problems and the rising
costs of road transport. Smart vessels definitely have a part to play in the
multimodal transport approach that the Port of Antwerp wants to help develop
further.”
For the project with the Port of Antwerp, the researchers
developed a 3D sonar sensor with 32 sophisticated waterproof microphones. This
technology was successfully tested on the Tuimelaar, one of the Port of
Antwerp's test vessels in the last weeks of 2020 demonstrating the potential to
overcome critical hurdles to achieving autonomous navigation.
“In order to achieve fully autonomous navigation, constant
monitoring of the ship's surroundings is absolutely crucial,” explains Prof.
Jan Steckel who working at CoSys-Lab, a research group in UAntwerp's Faculty of
Applied Engineering, develops advanced sensor systems that can withstand harsh
conditions. “Cameras can be used, of course, but when visibility is poor – due
to dust, water sprays, mud, smoke, or fog – they don't work properly.”
Sonar sensors, however, remain fully functional under such
circumstances. They can provide a reliable picture of the ship's surroundings
at a low cost. The information is transmitted in real-time, to prevent delays
that could cause the ship to crash.
In 2021, the team will embark on a follow-up project to the
recent test. As part of the Smart Docking Innovation Challenge, the Port of
Antwerp has approved 3D Sonar and Lidar for Vessel Monitoring project also to
be led by Prof. Jan Steckel.