The development of autonomous shipping took another step
forward with the first sailing of a semi-autonomous shortsea cargo vessel
between the Belgian ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp. The program, which seeks to
expand on previous efforts on inland waterways, is viewed as the first step
towards autonomous sailing.
The cooperation aims to validate the possibilities of
automated navigation and to involve the authorities in the development of new
navigation methods. Over time the partners hope to reduce the number of crew
sailing aboard the vessel to create better efficiencies and address the growing
shortage of trained seafarers.
The sailings are being operated with the 5,500 dwt Deseo,
which is owned by the Belgian shipping company Wennick. The program to test the
technology is being conducted in cooperation with the MOW Department, the Joint
Nautical Authority, and De Vlaamse Waterweg. The vessel, which transports 400
teu, will be sailing initially two or three times per week between the two
ports supported by a central control station.
The route between the two ports is along the Westerschelde,
one of the busiest rivers in the world. To guarantee safety along the waterway,
the test includes an experienced crew on the vessel who can take over if
necessary.
The technology being tested for the automation of the ship
was developed by the Belgian company Seafar and they are providing the control
from a centralized control center. The operators in the control center have a
range of high-tech systems based on artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, and
object detection at their disposal to ensure safe navigation. B2B operator
Citymesh is providing a reliable and stable communication link between the ship
and the shore control center, using a hybrid Wi-Fi network, private LTE/5G, and
a public 4G network.
"Innovations regarding automation in inland navigation
will help the sector and we want to take a pioneering role in this with
Flanders,” said Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters. “The
automated barge project offers an answer to the mobility challenges of the
future. It strengthens our society to digitize and innovate in a progressive
manner.”
As the technology is proved and refined in the tests, the
goal is to move to greater levels of automation reducing the crew from five
down to three. Similar trial projects have already been conducted in 2020
sailing on the Flemish inland waterways and in the port of Antwerp.
The Blauwe Cluster, VLAIO, the MOW department, and the
Agency for Maritime Services and Coast are also supporting this project.