Estuary shipping and its possible developments in the medium term
20114
2021
TML investigated estuary navigation, an innovative mode of transport between the Scheldt and the port of Zeebrugge, and evaluated the feasibility of barges and autonomous sailing to improve services. TML conducted a literature review and worked with Tri-Vizor to gather insights from experts.
Estuary navigation is the navigation of reinforced inland vessels over a small stretch of open sea along the coastline, between the mouth of the Scheldt and the port of Zeebrugge. This particular mode of transport is the solution for the so-called “wet access” to the port of Zeebrugge. With this study, we investigated the technical background of the vessels used and looked in detail at two possibilities that can improve the service provided by these vessels: sailing with push barges and unmanned/autonomous sailing.
For push barges, which could be an economically interesting solution, technical feasibility seems to be a particularly thorny issue (the coupling points must be able to withstand the forces of wave movements). Autonomous navigation seems more feasible both technically and practically (not only in estuary navigation, by the way), although there may be legal restrictions. Ongoing tests are already promising.
Estuarine navigation lies at the intersection of conditions around robustness, safety, and economic feasibility. In this study, we investigated whether the boundaries can be pushed further and whether autonomous navigation and/or the use of barges are a viable solution in estuarine navigation.
The three innovations addressed in this study, namely push-barge combinations, autonomous sailing, and new concepts, may not be for tomorrow. In any case, they require the involvement of all actors involved. Through a number of targeted pilot tests, The Flemish Waterway can advance these innovations, each of which generates opportunities and holds potential in its own right. The future lies in the smart combination of these innovations. A calculation of the total logistics comes to the same conclusion. By applying the innovations together, estuary shipping can be noticeably up to 37% more competitive than road transport when applied efficiently and smartly, expressed in total social cost/TEU.
The information was gathered mainly through literature review and interviews with experts, supplemented by logistics insights and calculations from own experience/modelling. TML worked in equal partnership with Tri-Vizor. We provided the literature review, while Tri-Vizor mainly managed the contacts with experts and stakeholders. The final report was delivered in November 2021 and was used as input for the internal operation of The Flemish Waterway around estuarine navigation.
The report is not public but can be requested from the client if desired, via [email protected].
Estuary navigation is the navigation of reinforced inland vessels over a small stretch of open sea along the coastline, between the mouth of the Scheldt and the port of Zeebrugge. This particular mode of transport is the solution for the so-called “wet access” to the port of Zeebrugge. With this study, we investigated the technical background of the vessels used and looked in detail at two possibilities that can improve the service provided by these vessels: sailing with push barges and unmanned/autonomous sailing.
For push barges, which could be an economically interesting solution, technical feasibility seems to be a particularly thorny issue (the coupling points must be able to withstand the forces of wave movements). Autonomous navigation seems more feasible both technically and practically (not only in estuary navigation, by the way), although there may be legal restrictions. Ongoing tests are already promising.
Estuarine navigation lies at the intersection of conditions around robustness, safety, and economic feasibility. In this study, we investigated whether the boundaries can be pushed further and whether autonomous navigation and/or the use of barges are a viable solution in estuarine navigation.
The three innovations addressed in this study, namely push-barge combinations, autonomous sailing, and new concepts, may not be for tomorrow. In any case, they require the involvement of all actors involved. Through a number of targeted pilot tests, The Flemish Waterway can advance these innovations, each of which generates opportunities and holds potential in its own right. The future lies in the smart combination of these innovations. A calculation of the total logistics comes to the same conclusion. By applying the innovations together, estuary shipping can be noticeably up to 37% more competitive than road transport when applied efficiently and smartly, expressed in total social cost/TEU.
The information was gathered mainly through literature review and interviews with experts, supplemented by logistics insights and calculations from own experience/modelling. TML worked in equal partnership with Tri-Vizor. We provided the literature review, while Tri-Vizor mainly managed the contacts with experts and stakeholders. The final report was delivered in November 2021 and was used as input for the internal operation of The Flemish Waterway around estuarine navigation.
The report is not public but can be requested from the client if desired, via [email protected].
