AutoMated Vessels and Supply Chain Optimisation for Sustainable Short SEa Shipping

Ports play a decisive role in the EU’s external and internal trade, as about 74% of imports and exports and 37% of exchanges go through ports. Although ports and especially Deep Sea Shipping (DSS) ports are integral nodes within multimodal logistic flows, Short Sea Shipping (SSS) and inland waterways are not so well integrated.

The aim of MOSES project is to enhance the SSS component of the European supply chain by addressing the vulnerabilities and strains related to the operation of large containerships. A two-fold strategy will be followed, in order to reduce the total time to berth for TEN-T Hub Ports and to stimulate the use of SSS feeder services to small ports that have limited or no infrastructure.

The above-mentioned scope of MOSES project will be reached through the implementation of the following innovations:

  • For the SSS leg an innovative, hybrid electric feeder vessel including robotic cargo handling system (MOSES feeder).
  • For DSS ports the adoption of an autonomous vessel maneuvering and docking scheme (MOSES AutoDock).
  • A digital collaboration and matchmaking platform (MOSES platform)

MOSES is an ambitious project that bears significant innovation potential in the context of European SSS uptake. Its innovation potential covers both vessel design aspects as well as software tools and accompanying governance models to improve related logistics processes.

More information about the project can be found at the project website.