SEAMLESS is demonstrating how automation, remote operation and digitalisation can support a more efficient, resilient and competitive European waterborne freight transport system. Rather than treating autonomous vessels as standalone technologies, SEAMLESS addresses the complete transport chain, integrating vessel automation, human supervision, shore-side operations and digital logistics solutions. The project has developed and integrated key building blocks for automated Short Sea Shipping (SSS) and Inland Waterway Transport (IWT), which are being validated through real-world demonstration activities in Europe.
BUILDING BLOCKS
- B1 & B2: SEAMLESS has developed and integrated technologies supporting autonomous and remotely supervised vessel operations, with humans-in-the-loop through Remote Operation Centres (ROCs). These solutions enable automated vessels to operate alongside conventional traffic and interact with shore-side infrastructure, including automated docking, charging and cargo-handling solutions. Together, they demonstrate how vessel and port automation can become part of an integrated waterborne freight transport system.
- B3: SEAMLESS has developed digital solutions to connect automated waterborne transport with the wider multimodal logistics chain. By combining information from vessels, ports and logistics operations, these tools support planning, optimisation and coordination across transport modes. This system-level approach aims to reduce inefficiencies at intermodal nodes and improve the resilience and efficiency of freight flows.
ENABLERS
- E1 & E2: SEAMLESS is validating its technological and operational solutions through full-scale demonstrations in representative real-world environments. The first demonstration campaign in Norway brought together autonomous and conventional vessels, remote operation concepts and supporting digital technologies in an operational maritime setting. The second demonstration campaign focuses on Inland Waterway Transport in Central Europe, integrating vessel, shore-side and digital solutions across representative logistics operations. Beyond demonstrating technical feasibility, these activities provide evidence on the operational, organisational and sustainability conditions required for future deployment. SEAMLESS also assesses the transferability and replication potential of its solutions across different transport applications and European contexts.
- E3: SEAMLESS investigates the economic, business and regulatory conditions needed to move automated waterborne transport from demonstration towards wider deployment. The project assesses business models, market potential and implementation pathways to understand how innovative services can create value while addressing investment risks and adoption barriers. In parallel, SEAMLESS examines regulatory gaps and challenges associated with autonomous and remotely operated vessels, contributing evidence and recommendations to support their safe and effective future deployment in Europe.
