Two trial runs for autonomous shipping
The Norwegian technology group Kongsberg will install and test autonomous navigation equipment on board two ships this year. Kongsberg, the Norwegian Sintef research institute and several European partners will take part in this Autoship project. It will be financed with EUR 20.1 million from the Horizon 2020 research programme.
The tests will be carried out on two existing vessels and used for short sea shipping and on inland waterways in Europe. The “Pioneer Eidsvaag” operates along the Norwegian coast and fjords, transporting fish feed to fish farms. This vessel will incorporate autonomous navigation equipment and will be operated remotely.
The second ship is a Belgian pallet transport barge that operates on European channels, transporting goods to and from large container ports. The use of inland waterways can generate significant environmental benefits through new technologies. (mw)