German Trade Fair Showcases Remotely Controlled Inland Waterway Cargo Vessel

The German National Maritime Conference showcased a remote-controlled inland waterway cargo ship as part of the FereBin research project. Lars Reckers, a technical manager at Rhenus Shipping Management, highlighted the advantages of remote-controlled operations, including the ability to address the shortage of skilled workers and extend operating times. The FernBin project, launched by Rhenus in collaboration with other partners, aimed to develop extensive inland waterway shipping operations using remote controls. The Ernst Kramer, a 345-foot cargo ship built in 1974, was outfitted with sensors, cameras, and a Starlink connection to enable uninterrupted data transmission. A test voyage was successfully completed in July 2023.

During the German National Maritime Conference, attendees were able to watch the Ernst Kramer in action via a live link from the Port of Duisburg. The FernBin project is ongoing and the participants are seeking an extension to continue their demonstrations. They are currently working on an adaptive navigation system that will react dynamically to surrounding traffic and provide real-time information to assist remote-controlled operations. This system aims to predict and visualize the space required for encounters with other ships, allowing the ship’s captain to navigate safely.

The remote-controlled vessel demonstration at the German National Maritime Conference showcased the potential of remote-controlled operations in the maritime industry. With the shortage of skilled workers and the need to extend operating times, remote control technology offers significant advantages. The FernBin research project, led by Rhenus Shipping Management and its partners, focused on developing extensive inland waterway shipping operations using remote controls. The Ernst Kramer, a 345-foot cargo ship, was equipped with sensors, cameras, and a Starlink connection for uninterrupted data transmission. A successful test voyage was conducted in July 2023. Attendees at the conference had the opportunity to watch the vessel’s progress via a live link.

The FernBin project is ongoing, with plans to continue demonstrations and further develop the remote control technology. The participants are currently working on an adaptive navigation system that will dynamically react to surrounding traffic and provide real-time information to assist remote-controlled operations. This system aims to predict and visualize the space required for encounters with other ships, ensuring safe navigation. The remote-controlled vessel demonstration highlights the potential for remote control technology to revolutionize the maritime industry by addressing workforce shortages and improving operational efficiency.

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