Pioneering autonomous zero-emission vessels in new research project
Transitioning to climate-friendly, flexible and resilient transportation takes a significant leap with the commencement of the new research project Autoflex. This initiative aims to introduce small, autonomous zero-emission inland vessels, contributing to the broader goal of achieving climate neutrality for all EU countries by 2050 and aligning with the ambitious European Green Deal. The pivotal elements include enhancing energy efficiency across sectors and promoting the use of renewable energies, particularly in the transportation sector.
In the realm of transportation, the focus extends to increasing the deployment of vehicles with electric and sustainable alternative fuel-driven systems, encompassing inland vessels. Moreover, a pivotal aspect of the strategy involves executing a green modal shift, diverting from congested roads to better-utilized inland waterways.
However, challenges impeding the expanded use of inland waterways are emerging due to shifts in cargo structures and variable water levels resulting from climate change. Anticipating even more volatility in the future, Autoflex seeks to address these challenges. A series of studies and small-scale developments have indicated that small, autonomous waterborne units can offer economically and ecologically sustainable logistics services, even on previously underutilized waterways.
New approach to sustainable transportation
The envisioned strategy involves revitalizing waterways through the deployment of zero-emission inland vessels and integrating them with electric trucks for last-mile transport. This innovative approach aligns seamlessly with the climate goals of Fit for 55, contributing to a paradigm shift in the logistics landscape.
Commencing in January 2024, Autoflex brings together nine reputable partners from six European countries, embarking on the independent development of a novel waterborne transport system. This collaborative effort aims to create new inland cargo vessels capable of efficiently conducting transport services in small waterways, including confined and extreme-low water situations. The project also envisions the establishment of distribution hubs serving as interfaces between water and road transport, facilitating cargo transshipment and ensuring a zero-emission energy supply for ships and trucks simultaneously. Geographically, Autoflex will be implemented in the Randstad region around Amsterdam and the other three major cities of the Netherlands, as well as in the east Flemish city of Ghent.
Key objectives and milestones
The consortium, comprising development and application partners from industry, research and academia, outlines a comprehensive plan for Autoflex, intending to prove the feasibility of the newly designed transport system. This involves model scale testing and a full-scale demonstrator, featuring a vessel provided by DFDS from Denmark and equipped with technology from Maritime Robotics in Norway.
The key objectives of Autoflex include developing competitive zero-emission inland vessels for autonomous operation on small waterways, crafting a transport system architecture for waterborne urban distribution as an alternative to road transport, creating a combined cargo-and-energy hub for reliable energy provision, establishing viable business models, and demonstrating and validating the transport system through quantitative analysis, computer simulation and full-scale demonstration.
Ultimately, Autoflex not only promises to drive the transformation of the European transport system towards climate neutrality but also stands as a testament to the competitiveness of European research and industry.
