HGK Shipping is allowed to test remote-controlled inland vessel

It is an important step into the future: HGK Shipping is now allowed to operate the first inland vessel in the German canal area remotely for a trial period of six months. After the convoy consisting of “Niedersachsen 2” and “Hannover” successfully completed a trial run on a section of the now approved route in early May, Europe’s largest inland shipping company received the green light from the Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping (GDWS).

(Köln/Berlin) On the sidelines of an industry event in Berlin and in the presence of the signatory, GDWS Director Eric Oehlmann, Transport Minister Dr. Patrick Schnieder presented HGK Shipping CEO Steffen Bauer with the permit for the navigation area from Scharnebeck to Salzgitter yesterday.

During the handover of the permit, Federal Minister Dr. Patrick Schnieder stated: “Inland shipping faces enormous challenges. The impending shortage of skilled workers in the near future must not become a hindrance for this hidden champion of transport modes. The fact is that the inland waterway is the only transport mode with available capacities that we have in Germany. Pilot projects like this remote-controlled convoy can therefore become a game changer. The approval processes are in place; now we need to get the technology from the lab onto the water and into action.”

Eric Oehlmann, head of the Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping, emphasizes: “Innovative approaches show what is possible when technology and sustainability work together. After careful examination of all legal requirements – with a particular focus on safety – and a successfully conducted trial run, it is now time: The coupled inland vessel can now be operated remotely from the headquarters in Duisburg. I am grateful that my colleagues were able to accompany the approval process quickly and solution-oriented – the GDWS is setting a good example of how innovation in inland shipping can be advanced together and with speed. Therefore, I am particularly pleased that HGK Shipping is receiving the first German permit for the remote operation of an inland vessel according to the Inland Waterways Shipping Regulations.”

Efforts for the modernization of the waterway system (from left to right): Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, Dr. Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister for Transport, and Eric Oehlmann, head of the Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping © Stella Scheibenzuber | HGK Shipping

Counteracting the shortage of ship captains

HGK Shipping has long been pushing for the use of SEAFAR technology to counteract the glaring shortage of skilled workers among ship captains. “Together with our technology partner SEAFAR, which operates a so-called Remote Operations Center in Duisburg, we are also relying on increased digitalization of inland shipping through the modernization of our fleet. This is an effective lever in attracting qualified personnel and enhancing the attractiveness of the profession,” emphasizes Steffen Bauer, CEO of HGK Shipping, the motivation behind this initiative. “Due to the careful preparation and implementation of the individual approval steps, we hope to transition to the next stage and operate with reduced crew shortly after this test phase.”

Previously, remote control with a full crew had already been tested on the Rhine with a Belgian permit based on corresponding ZKR recommendations. In the new test phase, which will be conducted in the German canal network between the municipalities of Scharnebeck and Salzgitter, a full crew is still required on board the ship.

Allowing ship captains more time on land

The next step would already involve the reduced crew operation of the retrofitted vessels in the test program. The goal is to deploy personnel more flexibly and allow ship captains more time on land. In other European countries, especially Belgium and the Netherlands, the technology has proven itself and met the outlined objectives to the benefit of all involved.

Title image: © HGK Shipping /Image caption: The Remote Operations Center in Duisburg allows for the remote control of inland vessels, which, after obtaining further permits following the test operation, will enable flexible personnel deployment and provide ship captains with more time on land.