Inland Waterway Transport took centre stage at the recent IW-NET Interconnectivity Event, held at the Brussels Construction Consolidation Centre (BCCC) on August 31, 2023. With over 70 registrations, this event underscored the growing interest in the potential of IWT for sustainable and efficient urban delivery. The event featured real-life demonstrations of smart technologies that enhance the interconnection between various transport modes and logistics operators. Furthermore, innovative solutions for shore power were showcased, promising a cleaner and more efficient future for inland waterway transport.
Real-Life Demonstration of Smart Technologies
One of the highlights of the event was the demonstration of Application Scenario 1A, which focused on the transportation of goods into dense urban areas using inland waterway transport. This scenario featured an urban Zulu vessel equipped with a crane. The barge carried standard modular containers, each embedded with IoT sensors. These sensors provided real-time tracking data, allowing precise monitoring of goods throughout the entire supply chain. A collaborative IT platform processed this data, facilitating seamless interconnection between transport modes and enhancing operator visibility and responsiveness. Upon reaching the port, the containers were efficiently transferred to cargo bikes, which transported the goods to their final destinations in Brussels. The cargo bikes relayed their status and location to the IT platform, ensuring a synchronized and efficient delivery process.
Innovative Solutions for Shore Power
The event also showcased innovative digitized port call and shore power solutions, which allow vessels to communicate with the port authority via an innovative smartphone app and to connect to the electricity grid at the port instead of using their onboard diesel generators. The latter reduces noise and air pollution in port areas. The related Application Scenario 2B highlighted how digital tools can improve the coordination and synchronisation of port operations, reduce waiting time and delay, enable convenient access and use of shore power for barge operators, and serve as a monitoring tool for the port authorities. The IW-NET project has successfully demonstrated the applicability and resulting benefits of the developed innovations in the Port of Bremen.
The IW-NET project extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organisers who made the IW-NET Interconnectivity Event a resounding success. If you missed the event or wish to revisit the insightful presentations, you can find them on the IW-NET website.
