Inland waterway transport (IWT) is a sustainable and efficient mode of transport that can help reduce congestion and emissions in urban areas. However, IWT faces several challenges, such as low utilisation rates, high operational costs, and lack of integration with other transport modes. To overcome these challenges, IW-NET is developing innovative solutions that leverage the potential of autonomous vessels for urban distribution.

IW-NET developed autonomous vessels for urban distribution as part of its application scenario 3A “Autonomous Vessels for Urban Distribution”, which focuses on the East Flanders-Ghent test area in Belgium. This area is characterised by a dense network of waterways connecting several industrial zones, ports, and urban centres. IW-NET carries out the following activities to develop autonomous vessels for urban distribution in this area:

  • Scenario analysis and initial setup: The IW-NET team analysed the current situation and future needs of the stakeholders involved in IWT in the test area, such as urban transport authorities, IWT intermodal operators, shippers, and others. IW-NET also set up the technical and organisational framework for the deployment of autonomous vessels in the test area.
  • Feature implementation: IW-NET designed and developed the features and components of autonomous vessels, such as carbon-neutral engine, instrumentation, communication and software for vessel autonomy, station keeping system, and mobile command centre. IW-NET has developed a data-driven decision-making system that can provide optimal solutions for IWT network management and cargo visibility.
  • Vessel construction: IW-NET is currently constructing two vessels for urban distribution, facilitating testing and demonstration activities in real life scenarios. Consequently, IW-NET will assess the performance and impact of autonomous vessels in relation to the existing infrastructure and water conditions in the test area.
  • Collection of results: IW-NET will collect and analyse the data and feedback from deployment and testing activities.

Application Scenario 3A outcomes

IW-NET’s Application Scenario 3A is one of the four application scenarios that IW-NET is developing to increase the efficiency, competitiveness, and reliability of IWT using innovative vessels. It will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of using autonomous vessels for urban distribution in a real-world environment.