{"id":19065,"date":"2026-07-14T14:58:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T14:58:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sominnport.cat\/?post_type=cas&p=19065"},"modified":"2026-07-29T15:15:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T15:15:22","slug":"autonomous-inland-cargo-vessel-for-smart-and-sustainable-ports","status":"publish","type":"cas","link":"https:\/\/sominnport.cat\/en\/observatori\/autonomous-inland-cargo-vessel-for-smart-and-sustainable-ports\/","title":{"rendered":"Autonomous inland cargo vessel for smart and sustainable ports"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Project leaders<\/h2>\n

The project is part of the European MAGPIE project, sMArt Green Ports as Integrated Efficient multimodal hubs<\/em>, coordinated by the Port of Rotterdam and co-funded by the European Union through the Horizon 2020 programme.<\/p>\n

The initiative involves 45 partners, including Alphatron Marine, Argonics and Argonav, with the aim of developing and scaling up innovations in clean energy, digitalisation and sustainable logistics in port and multimodal environments.<\/p>\n

Project description<\/h2>\n

The project has developed a container cargo vessel, the MS Letitia, operated by HTS Group, which is capable of navigating autonomously between terminals within the Port of Rotterdam.<\/p>\n

It is a conventional vessel with traditional propulsion which, as part of the project, has been equipped with autonomous navigation systems that allow it to operate without direct manual control during the journey.<\/p>\n

In June 2026, the project carried out an operational demonstration at the Port of Rotterdam, during which the MS Letitia sailed autonomously between different port terminals under real maritime traffic conditions.<\/p>\n

The vessel was able to perform manoeuvres autonomously, including undocking, navigating through port channels and river sections, and docking again at its destination. During navigation, the system continuously monitored the surrounding environment, detected other vessels and avoided collisions, ensuring operational safety in an active port traffic environment.<\/p>\n

The vessel\u2019s captain retains ultimate responsibility and can intervene at any time, while the system acts as a support tool for navigation and decision-making.<\/p>\n

This innovative solution demonstrates that autonomous navigation can improve the flexibility, efficiency and reliability of inland transport while reducing pressure on the road network.<\/p>\n

The results and knowledge gained through the project are being transferred to practical applications for inland navigation vessels through navigation assistance systems developed by project partners, such as argoPositionPilot and argoRadarPilot.<\/p>\n

These systems include functions such as the visualisation of navigation intentions and the detection of potential collisions, drawing on the lessons learned during autonomous navigation trials conducted in real port environments.<\/p>\n

This case is another example included in the SOM-INN PORT Observatory of how autonomous navigation is being refined and applied in international port environments, providing practical knowledge that can be implemented to achieve more efficient and sustainable operations.<\/p>\n

Project objectives<\/h2>\n

The main objective is to move towards smart and sustainable ports by demonstrating that autonomous cargo vessel navigation can operate safely and efficiently in real port environments.<\/p>\n

The project aims to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of inland waterway transport, while also helping to reduce road congestion and decarbonise logistics operations in port areas.<\/p>\n

Publication date<\/h2>\n

July 14 th 2026<\/p>\n

Links of interest<\/h2>\n