Autonomous inland waterway transport for a safer and sustainable tomorrow: The AUTOBarge project

Journal article, 2025

The AUTOBarge project aimed to upgrade inland waterway transport (IWT) by engaging autonomous and sustainable shipping technologies. Addressing both technical and non-technical challenges, the project stimulated safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly freight solutions, directly supporting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The technical results encompassed ship manoeuvring models, collision avoidance algorithms, advanced sensor fusion techniques, and real-time situational awareness for safe navigation in confined waterways. Social, economic, and legal aspects were also explored, including stakeholder mapping, regulatory readiness, and liability in autonomous IWT contexts. A key outcome is the AUTOBargeSim, an open-source MATLAB toolbox for simulating autonomous vessel behaviour, assessing guidance systems, and enabling energy-efficient voyage planning. Technological innovations from the project contribute to reduced emissions, lower road congestion, and improved working conditions by shifting operational tasks onshore. Policy recommendations and regulatory frameworks were proposed to guide the safe and scalable implementation of autonomous barges in Europe. By integrating automation, digitalization, and sustainability, AUTOBarge laid the foundation for a future autonomous IWT with wide societal impact.