Semi-autonomous shipping between Zeebrugge and Antwerp

Freight transport over water is often put forward as an alternative to freight transport by road, as it can relieve the pressure on our road network and reduce CO2 emissions. However, there is a shortage of employees in the sector. For this reason, autonomous shipping can be a solution.

News

16 February 2021

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Since 15 February, the automated inland vessel Deseo has been transporting containers between the port of Zeebrugge and the port of Antwerp via a fixed route. The vessel is continuously monitored in an onshore control centre.

These activities are part of the Shore Supported Navigation project of Blue Cluster. The aim is to eventually evolve towards a smaller crew on board. Sailing with a smaller crew and support from a control centre is the first step towards autonomous shipping.

Partners

Seafar developed the technology to control automated vessels from a centralised onshore control centre and thus ensure safe shipping.

Citymesh on the other hand ensures a reliable and stable communication connection between the vessel and the control centre, so that the semi-autonomous vessel is connected everywhere on its route.

Furthermore, Blue Cluster, Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the department of mobility and public works and the Agency Maritime Services and Coast are also supporting the project.

Impact

Automated shipping does not only offer a solution to the growing shortage of crew in the shipping industry, but also increases the competitiveness of transport by water. Moreover, the project can also play a preparatory role in the development of a new generation of automated vessels.

Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters: “Innovations related to automation of inland shipping help the sector move forward and the Flemish government wants to take up a pioneering role in this regard. The project on automated shipping offers an answer to the mobility challenges of the future.”