Smart Shipping (English)

The authorities are working towards developing inland navigation along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for both long-distance and short-distance transport and urban areas. For urban logistics in particular, making the last mile more sustainable and finding solutions to traffic congestion is important.

In addition, CEMT classes I to III vessels are being used less frequently and inland waterways of CEMT Class III and smaller are being dropped from the logistics system. As alternatives become scarce and parts of the network remain unused, the transport network’s robustness is undermined.

The growing shortage of skippers and crew members in inland navigation may also cause problems in the sector in the future, negatively affecting its competitiveness in the logistics chain.

Digitalisation and automation play a vital role in devising solutions and achieving the goals of the European Green Deal.

In this context, experimenting with innovative solutions, such as autonomous ships, is essential to meet the challenges inland navigation faces. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv (the autonomous agency of the Government of Flanders responsible for the inland waterways of the Flemish Region) recognises this need and is willing to play an active role by providing (administrative) support for experiments and facilitating living labs for autonomous ships. This partnership between the government and the inland waterway sector is crucial for realising the transition to a more efficient and sustainable transport system that exploits the full potential of our waterways.

Four main pillars

To achieve a safe, reliable, efficient, sustainable and smart waterway network, the Smart Shipping programme focuses on four main pillars:

• Smart ships: These are vessels with a minimal form of automation on board. The degree of automation is irrelevant. However, all automated vessels must guarantee the same minimum level of safety as a conventional vessel.
• Smart infrastructure: This refers to highly automated and remotely operated waterway infrastructure. The interaction between the infrastructure and ships is digital to ensure a smooth, safe and efficient traffic flow.
• Smart communication:  This refers to data sharing, as part of a smart, smooth and flexible process in which all communication between the authorities and waterway users is digitised and takes place according to internationally standardised procedures.
• Smart regulation: De Vlaamse Waterweg nv aims to use the results of Flemish pilot projects for international lobbying and the harmonisation of regulations regarding automated and remotely operated vessels, with safety being a priority at all times.

This Smart Shipping page provides information on the revised application process for innovative experiments or pilot projects.

Automated ships in Flanders

De Vlaamse Waterweg nv continues to take steps to promote automated navigation and confirm the pioneering role of Flanders within Europe.

In 2018, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv opened its entire working area as a test facility for automated ships. According to Article 70 of the Shipping Decree, it is currently possible to launch innovative experiments or pilot projects on navigable inland waterways in Flanders. The different experiments and pilot projects aim to build both technical and legal knowledge and experience with a view to developing a future sustainable regulatory framework to facilitate automated commercial vessels.

The new procedure

Erik Schrooyen, the Smart Shipping project manager at De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, is the main contact for applications for an experiment or pilot project. He works with applicants to ensure they submit a solid application, with support from De Vlaamse Waterweg nv.  The project must be announced to the project manager by means of a draft application using the designated template for this purpose (See Template 1 – Draft Application). This step is optional. If the applicant is already familiar with the procedure, they can apply immediately.

Once the draft application has been duly filled out, the Smart Shipping project manager explains the modalities and process, working closely with the applicant to finalise the application for a testing agreement. The templates and the criteria with which the application must comply in order to obtain this agreement are explained, among others. The applicant obtains all the necessary information and templates to prepare an application.

Once the application is declared admissible, the Smart Shipping project manager launches the internal coordination process required for the assessment of the application and the possible preparation of a testing agreement. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv (DVW) can also review and oversee a request for an exemption to conduct a pilot project on the Rhine with an automated or remotely operated vessel, requiring a temporary deviation from one or more regulations of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR). The DVW is the competent authority and can submit this application for exemption to the CCNR. The CCNR assesses the application within the Rhine Navigation Committee and may approve a recommendation for exemption.

The maximum processing time, i.e. from a complete application to an approved testing agreement, for an application for the territory of the DVW and for an application for an exemption for the implementation of a pilot project on the Rhine, is six months.

Types of experiments or pilot projects

An experiment or pilot project can have several phases. This can range from a phase with system testing or a vessel with full crew on board to a phase with reduced or even no crew operations. However, it is important that De Vlaamse Waterweg nv is aware of the distinction between these different phases and the grounds on which a decision can be made to move from one phase to another.

Companies want to gain the best possible idea of the behaviour of an automated vessel in a representative environment in the shortest timeframe. Consequently, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv understands why it would make sense to test multiple vessels of the same type. Researchers aim to gain more insight into the interaction between multiple remotely-operated vessels and how exactly these vessels interact with each other, among others. A critical mass of ships and the associated data facilitate these insights. These experiments can take place provided they have a solid scientific basis and that the vessel has demonstrated the necessary maturity, safety and reliability.

Innovative companies also seek to expand the scope of automated ships to include carriage of ADN goods. Given the nature of these goods, and dangerous goods in particular, the risks are greater. De Vlaamse Waterweg nv can grant a derogation to facilitate these transports, with special conditions and measures taken that provide guarantees for maintaining an equivalent level of transport safety.

Similar special conditions and measures are also taken for experiments or pilot projects involving passenger vessels.

To increase transparency, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv will also publish ongoing experiments on the Smart Shipping webpage. This will raise awareness among other stakeholders (skippers, companies and (international) organisations) and highlight the importance of automated ships in Flanders.

Trials with a full crew on board

De Vlaamse Waterweg nv also allows vessels to sail with a full crew on board. The vessel may be automated or remotely operated, provided the vessel does not deviate from existing regulations. No application is required for these types of trials. Companies are, however, required to inform the Smart Shipping project manager of this for the sake of full transparency within the sector and to promote safety by raising awareness. This will give us insight into the scope of such trips, further highlighting the progressive role of Flanders.

Expectations

Innovation thrives on the willingness to dare to experiment. It is crucial that risks are carefully mapped and mitigated in a well-thought-through way. Human and environmental safety must be prioritised at all times. This implies that there must be sufficient margin for acquiring experience through experiments and pilot projects, even if this means all the risk mitigation measures are not yet known or fully developed at the beginning of these trials (with the exception of ADN and passenger shipping).

Finally, we consider automated ships to be a pioneering innovation that may bring new and unknown challenges with it, for both the applicant and De Vlaamse Waterweg nv. While these challenges may have undesirable effects on the experiment or pilot project, they also provide opportunities for learning and growth. We must embrace these challenges and proactively resolve them so we can learn from them and build a safe, future-proof and innovative inland navigation sector in Flanders together.

Documents

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Templates for Obtaining an Experimental Agreement

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These templates have been updated and serve as the new versions starting from early 2025.

Reporting framework

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