Rhenus presents future of vessel control
Rhenus has showcased its remote-controlled inland waterway vessel, part of the "Fernbin" research project, at the German National Maritime Conference.
The project was initiated in 2020 by Rhenus Partnership in collaboration with several project partners, including Argonics, DST, the University of Duisburg-Essen, and RWTH Aachen. Its overarching goal was to enable comprehensive remote-controlled inland waterway shipping.
To put this vision to the test, the project group selected the nearly 50-year-old inland waterway vessel, ‘Ernst Kramer’. The vessel was retrofitted to enable remote control of key functions, including the main engine and radar equipment, using radio waves.
Visitors witnessed the remote navigation of the vessel by skippers from an operator's stand at the conference centre. This development holds potential benefits for addressing labour shortages in the inland waterway shipping sector and extending vessel operating times. The project aims to continue until the end of the year, with a possible extension. (pb)