AUTOFLEX HEU Project

AUTOFLEX HEU Project focuses on reactivation of smaller inland waterways using the small, flexible, zero-emission inland vessels without crew on board   We are presenting our latest deliverable: D4.1 - Design Impacts.! The authors dive deep into how the absence of a crew, containerized cargo and a zero emission drive train are impacting the design of a modern inland vessel.   As the existing fleet of inland vessels is rather old, with barely any new builds in the last thirty years, our groundbreaking designs are more crucial than ever.   Here's a glimpse of the content: General Arrangement: Shifting from bulk cargo to containers. Weight and Space Requirements: Balancing stability and cargo capacity. Cargo Capacity: Enhancing load capabilities while navigating small waterways. Structural Design: Ensuring robust yet lightweight structures. Electric Drivetrain: Aiming for high fault tolerance and reduced need for maintenance. Remote Control: Introducing unmanned operation   Dive into the details by exploring deliverable D4.1 - Design Impacts and download it from our homepage. SINTEF Ocean DFDS National Technical University of Athens/Maritime Risk Group (MRG) Institut für Strukturleichtbau und Energieeffizienz gGmbH (ISE) Maritime Robotics AS Fraunhofer CML DST - Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems Zero Emission Services North Sea Port

Thanks MSCA ETN AUTOBarge, Logistics Initiative Hamburg and Maritimes Cluster Norddeutschland e. V. for inviting us! This afternoon the conference is all about smart and autonomous inland shipping—a topic that feels like home for Hans-Christoph Burmeister. Together with industry and research stakeholders from Hamburg and beyond, we’re diving into crucial discussions about the future of inland shipping. And what a unique setting to exchange ideas! However, we at AUTOFLEX HEU Project, are committed to delivering a solution that’s grounded in real innovation—not just hopes and prayers. Let’s shape the future of inland shipping, together SINTEF Ocean DFDS Maritime Risk Group (MRG) / National Technical University of Athens Maritime Robotics AS Fraunhofer CML Institut für Strukturleichtbau und Energieeffizienz gGmbH (ISE) DST - Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems Zero Emission Services

Proud to share that we yesterday brought together some of the brightest minds in autonomous inland and short-sea shipping for a panel at #ICMASS! On stage, representing AUTOFLEX HEU were Kristoffer Kloch from DFDS and Øyvind Pedersen from Maritime Robotics AS . Representing FOREMAST, Tomas Ambra from INLECOM and Matko Barisic from ABB, for ReNEW Ann-Sofie Pauwelyn from ZULU Associates, and representing SEAMLESS Project, Morten Ingebretsen from Kongsberg Maritime. The discussion was expertly moderated by Odd Erik Mørkrid from SINTEF Ocean. The panel explored the latest advancements in autonomous shipping technology and the work still needed to boost automation in logistics. Importantly, the industry partners emphasised the long-term value of commitment in research projects. They highlighted how early-stage product development, strategic networking, increased publicity, and financial support are critical for sustainable growth and innovation in this sector. A key takeaway? The panelists agreed that autonomous vessel development must go beyond innovation for innovation's sake; it must drive real, viable solutions in maritime logistics that align with business goals. A huge thanks to our panelists and to ICMASS for hosting this event, along with the collaboration of four EU-funded projects that made it all possible.

A big thank you to Håvard Nordahl for mentioning AUTOFLEX HEU Project during the #ICMASS session! Harvard’s presentation, "A Novel Method for Evaluating Ship Concept Performance in Transport Systems," was about a cutting-edge evaluation approach that is not only integral to the SEAMLESS Project project but will also play a significant role in advancing AUTOFLEX. Don’t miss the next session—S16: Inland Waterways—where Igor Bačkalov will unveil the latest research on an innovative design tailored for inland vessels. #inlandwaterways #innovation AUTOFLEX received funding from the EU under grant agreement no. 101136256

Special Session at ICMASS 2024: Navigating the Future of Autonomous Shipping! - 30th October at 14:00 (just before the final event) The EU-funded projects AUTOFLEX HEU Project, FOREMAST, ReNEW and SEAMLESS Project organised a unique event at the 6th International Conference on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (#ICMASS). We are excited to announce the special session titled "Navigating the Future: Innovations and Advancements in Smart, Autonomous Inland and Short-Sea Shipping" Panellists on Stage: Kristoffer Kloch, DFDS Øyvind Pedersen, Maritime Robotics AS Tomas Ambra, INLECOM Matko Barisic, ABB Ann-Sofie Pauwelyn, ZULU Associates Morten Ingebretsen, Kongsberg Maritime This engaging panel will explore the latest technology developments in autonomous shipping, the vital role of industry actors in its success, and tackle the pressing question: Why isn’t autonomous cargo transport yet state-of-the-art? The panel discussion will be moderated by Odd Erik Mørkrid, SINTEF Ocean Join us for this lively discussion and gain insights from top industry leaders!

Looking forward to meeting you there! AUTOFLEX HEU Project will be present at Waterborne Days 2025

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the very first paper from the AUTOFLEX HEU Project, led by main author Igor Bačkalov. The paper delves into how innovative vessel design can revolutionise inland shipping, enhancing flexibility, autonomy and sustainability. It will be presented at the 6th International Conference on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (#ICMASS), Day 2, Session S16. The conference is taking place on 29-30 October 2024 in Trondheim, Norway. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how AUTOFLEX is shaping the next generation of maritime transport! Stay tuned for more details!

Two days of engaging discussions and important decisions at the AUTOFLEX Consortium meeting are behind us! A big thank you to all partners for their active participation and valuable contributions. SINTEF Ocean DFDS National Technical University of Athens Institut für Strukturleichtbau und Energieeffizienz gGmbH (ISE) Maritime Robotics AS Fraunhofer CML DST - Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems Zero Emission Services North Sea Port It was fantastic to meet in person at Fraunhofer CML in Hamburg. On Day 1, we introduced a new approach—a Fish Bowl conversation—to discuss progress and make key decisions. This method was incredibly effective, fostering inclusive and dynamic discussions that allowed everyone to share their insights. On Day 2, we were able to make several important decisions that will shape the next steps of the project. It was great to see that everyone's perspective was carefully considered in these decisions, leaving all participants feeling delighted and valued. Looking forward to continuing our collaboration and pushing the boundaries of innovation together! 

AUTOFLEX HEU Project will join this event and is already looking forward. Together with SEAMLESS Project, ReNEW and our sister project FOREMAST we will present our project endeavours and engage leading partners from the industry to highlight their challenges regarding future navigations and cargo transport. SINTEF Ocean DFDS National Technical University of Athens Institut für Strukturleichtbau und Energieeffizienz gGmbH (ISE) Maritime Robotics AS Fraunhofer CML DST - Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems Zero Emission Services North Sea Port

AUTOFLEX HEU Project too has a green focus! How does zero-emission propulsion affect the ship design and what changes when autonomy is introduced? During the lunch break of the Maritime Future Summit you should not miss the chance to step by at HallB6 Booth 327 and engage in our talk about future vessel design. Time: 12:30 Location: HallB6-327 (Fraunhofer booth) Looking forward to meeting you there.