Introduction

The SEAMLESS project, funded under the European Union's Horizon Europe program, commenced in February 2023. Its aim is to develop and adapt essential components to create a fully automated, economically viable, cost-effective, and resilient waterborne freight feeder loop service for Short Sea Shipping (SSS) and/or Inland Waterways Transport (IWT). TIC4.0 is playing an active role in the project as a partner, providing its expertise in standardisation and data models. The foreseen duration of the project is 40 months from the aforementioned start date.

The “Horizon Europe” programme is the latest iteration of the EU Research Framework Programmes, which have been running since 1984. In these, the EU defines specific “calls” or topics of interest for research ranging from health science, physics, etc. to transportation and digitalisation. Goals are defined according to EU policies and targets: for example, later EU programmes have placed strong focus on decarbonisation and digitalisation. European companies and institutions can opt for the funding either alone or forming multinational consortiums to tackle projects with companies from across the Member States. If the project is approved by the European Commission, funding is awarded to them to start working.

The project will integrate autonomous systems to ensure safe, resilient, efficient, and environmentally friendly operations, shifting road transport to inland waterways and enhancing the performance of the TEN-T network. The service will operate 24/7 using a fleet of autonomous cargo shuttles, with human supervision from Remote Operation Centres (ROCs), which will effectively coordinate with automated and autonomous shore-side infrastructure while safely interacting with conventional systems.

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The service will employ a redesigned logistics system to minimize delays at intermodal nodes and enable uninterrupted freight flows. A comprehensive digital overview of the supply chain will facilitate the use of real-time information for optimized planning and reconfiguration to support resilient logistics, including digitalized administrative procedures. SEAMLESS components will be validated through full-scale demonstrations in various real-world scenarios. Transferability will be tested across different use cases covering a broad range of transport applications and geographical regions throughout Europe. A structured methodological framework will assess sustainability criteria and guide the replication of project results beyond its original scope and duration. New business models will be developed to provide a framework for implementing the SEAMLESS service, minimizing investment risks for early adopters. Additionally, regulatory gaps and challenges related to autonomous vessel operations (e.g., social aspects) will be identified, and recommendations will be provided.

What has been TIC4.0’s contribution so far?

TIC4.0 plays a pivotal role in three key work packages: WP2, WP3, and WP5. In all these areas, TIC4.0's main focus is on assessing and providing expertise to develop future operational and technological standards for the adoption of autonomous shipping and automated operations at ship-berth interfaces.

WP2 “Redesign Logistics”

In WP2, TIC4.0's role involves understanding how both TIC4.0 and DCSA standards can contribute to ensuring the interoperability of the various systems interconnected during the arrival phase, cargo operations, and dispatch to the hinterland. This work will be detailed in Deliverable D2.3, which is scheduled for delivery in the project's twentieth month.

WP3 “Enabling autonomous port operations”

For Building Block #1, TIC4.0's contribution primarily involves understanding the key systems that govern terminal operations (TOS), including communication between these systems and the machinery involved, as well as understanding the systems responsible for developing stowage plans for vessels and their interaction with terminals. This contribution will be documented in Deliverable 3.3, titled "Concepts for Improved Port Cargo Handling Through Automated Port Interfaces," with delivery expected at the end of the project.

WP5 “Digitalising logistics operations”

Finally, TIC4.0 has made a minor contribution to the development of Deliverable 5.1, "ModalNET Specifications, Systems Architecture, and Design of Cyber-Secure Communication." This contribution focuses on describing how communications could be managed between the ModalNET platform and the various container terminal operations management systems.

What are the benefits of being present in SEAMLESS for TIC4.0?

By taking part in SEAMLESS, TIC4.0 benefits in multiple ways:

• Firstly, TIC4.0 is involved in an international effort to design a fully automated feeder loop at various Member States. In this project, TIC4.0 will be participating first-hand in the implementation of the solution, with the added benefit of being able to employ TIC4.0’s solutions “from scratch. This constitutes a perfect opportunity to showcase TIC4.0’s potential.

• As is the case with FOR-FREIGHT, being part of European projects makes TIC4.0 more visible, enhancing its awareness and perception as a strong standardisation association and gaining access to a broad expert network

• The field trial assessment leads to the validation of the TIC4.0 data model, exposing possible gaps and areas where it should be expanded and/or modified. New creations can seamlessly flow into the Data Model as new TIC4.0 content, further improving the association’s publications.

• The compatibility of TIC4.0 with platforms such as ModalNET will also be explored, showcasing the potential of the data model to tie with existing platforms.

Structure of the Project

To develop the project efficiently, eight Work Packages (WPs) have been defined, each led by different partners to address specific challenges and promote coordination and synergy. Below is an overview of the objectives of each WP:

WP1: Project Coordination and Strategic Steering

Led by National Technical University of Athens, Greece (NTUA)

This WP oversees the project’s progress from administrative, technical, and financial perspectives, ensuring alignment with SEAMLESS objectives. It facilitates collaboration among Consortium members and maintains effective communication with the European Commission and other stakeholders. Responsibilities also include ensuring high-quality deliverables, managing risks, and implementing a comprehensive strategy for knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) management.

WP2: Redesigning Logistics

Led by the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics, Germany (ISL)

The focus here is to establish a solid foundation for SEAMLESS Use Cases. ISL is responsible for identifying challenges in current legal and regulatory frameworks, defining the architecture and standardization needed for the redesigned SEAMLESS logistics system, and simplifying administrative procedures. Additionally, ISL will develop the Concept of Operations and specify the requirements for SEAMLESS technology building blocks.

WP3: Enabling Autonomous Port Operations

Led by MacGregor, Finland (MCGFI)

Efforts in this WP center on optimizing port processes for cargo handling and transshipment. It involves developing SEAMLESS Building Block #1: Automated Port Interfaces (DockNLoad), including a digital stowage plan system for automated bay planning and secure autonomous cargo handling. MCG will also establish requirements for new digital interfaces facilitating automated ship-port interactions.

WP4: Activating Autonomous Fleet Operations

Led by Kongsberg, Norway (KMNO)

This WP aims to develop SEAMLESS Building Block #2: Modular Vessel and Operations Concepts. It involves creating rapid prototyping methods, designing concept vessels, and developing a fault-tolerant, COLREG-compliant Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) scheme. KMNO will also establish a risk-based safety assessment, develop standardized Human Automation Interfaces (HAI) for Remote Operation Centres (ROCs), and ensure effective communication between vessels and shore.

WP5: Digitalizing Logistics Operations

Led by Valenciaport Foundation, Spain (VPF)

The efforts here try to tackle SEAMLESS Building Block #3: Integrated Supply Chain Support (ModalNET). It involves defining requirements for efficient, secure, and resilient data management, developing the architecture for secure communication among physical assets, and introducing a digital collaborative communication framework among various logistics operators. VPF will also develop the ModalNET computational engine for dynamic and synchromodal management.

WP6: Evaluating Impact and Developing Sustainability-Driven Business Models

Led by National Technical University of Athens, Greece (NTUA)

This WP evaluates SEAMLESS building blocks from technical, economic, environmental, and social perspectives. TBG will analyze financial and societal aspects, develop viable business models for Short Sea Shipping (SSS) and Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) that can be transferred across Europe, and identify the skills needed for deployment. It will also assess the pan-European impact and transferability of the fully automated SEAMLESS freight feeder loop service.

WP7: Demonstrator and Validation Campaign

Led by Sintef Ocean AS, Norway (SO)

This effort here is dedicated to defining and executing demonstration and validation scenarios. It includes testing individual SEAMLESS technologies and subsystems, integrating these subsystems into a complete system, and planning and conducting demonstrations. The goal is to produce results that meet requirements and verification KPIs, providing feedback for further validation.

WP8: High-Impact Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation

Led by PNO Consultant, Italy (PNO)

The focus here is on developing and maintaining an effective Communication Strategy for SEAMLESS. This WP involves creating impactful communication channels, coordinating scientific outreach, and maximizing awareness within relevant communities. It also includes defining and scaling the project’s exploitable results, ensuring successful implementation of innovations, producing policy recommendations for automated feeder loop services, and contributing to common dissemination activities to enhance visibility and synergies with Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 actions.

What has been done so far?

After a year and a half since the project's inception, the progress indicates that the consortium is on the right track. The main advancements have focused, as planned, on defining current operational, administrative, and communication processes and understanding how these elements need to be adapted to an autonomous operational environment. Here are the most significant developments and updates:

Use Cases

Physical demonstrations will be conducted in the Northern European Use Case, which originally planned for an emission-free feeder loop in the Bergen region, and in the Central European Use Case, which focuses on highly automated inland waterway transport connecting the Port of Antwerp with the Belgian and French canal network and the Port of Duisburg, Europe's largest inland port. Additionally, six transferability use cases will be analyzed to evaluate how SEAMLESS components can be adapted to other corridors and to identify further deployment opportunities and sustainable business models.

• Work on defining the use cases has progressed as planned. The "STATE-OF-THE-ART AND BASELINE FOR THE SEAMLESS USE CASES" report has been successfully completed, laying the groundwork for further development of the use cases.

• Based on the work completed in Work Package 2, it was necessary to change the original location of the Northern European use case. The conditions at the Agotnes-Bergen ports were not ideal. Consequently, the use case has been shifted to connect Horten with the Port of Moss in Norway. This change offers better conditions for the physical demonstration of the use case. 

Redesigning Logistics

• Significant progress has been made in redesigning the logistics chain to ensure continuity in an autonomous operational environment. The new processes for this environment have been presented and agreed upon with the consortium in deliverables 2.3 and 2.4. 

Building Block #1: Automated Port Interfaces (DockNLoad)

• Autonomous cargo handling system: Two physical vessels and one simulated vessel are being controlled by the Kongsberg Shore Control Center. The system will simulate triple joint cranes that unload 10 to 20 containers from a mother vessel and load them onto a shuttle vessel. The crane must be movable along the quay.

• MacGregor has introduced the SEAMLESS autonomous mooring system, an innovative solution adapted for inland waterway ports.

• The Voyage and Container Optimisation Platform (VCOP) system is being developed for the automated cargo voyage planning and stowage execution platform.

• For concepts regarding automated port interfaces and intermodal cargo forwarding to the hinterland, the current processes have been described, and development of the "To Be" process will advance in the coming months.

Building Block #2: Modular Vessel and Operations Concepts

• The developments in this area have focused on technical details of the vessels that will be part of the demonstrators and the role of the Remote Operating Control (ROC). The "Preliminary Assessment of Zero-Emission Power Plant Configurations" is being finalized. 

Building Block #3: Integrated Supply Chain Support (ModalNET)

• Advances related to the ModalNET platform, which will be central to all logistics operations, focus on the analysis of the platform's specifications as outlined in deliverable 5.1, which covers ModalNET Specifications, Systems Architecture, and Design of Cyber-Secure Communication. 

Business Models

• Finally, regarding the analysis of various business models for exploiting innovations derived from this project, the most notable development is the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) that will determine the project's viability. This is detailed in deliverable D6.1, which identifies and develops the relevant KPIs.

What are the next steps?

With over two years remaining in the project, TIC4.0's next steps will focus on two potential areas:

• Firstly, TIC4.0 will explore the feasibility of implementing the standard within the development of the VCOP system, particularly concerning the communications between this system and the autonomous crane control and management system.

• Secondly, it is crucial to understand how communications should be structured between ModalNET and the various systems it interacts with for managing logistics operations. This will involve developing conceptual frameworks based on a series of reports and confirmations.

Although these scenarios are still in the experimental phase, they represent potential areas for applying the standard in varying measures and at different stages of the logistics chain covered by SEAMLESS.