The FOREMAST project proudly participated in the 6th International Conference on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (ICMASS 2024), a key event focused on innovations in maritime technology which took place in Trondheim, Norway from October 29-30 October 2024.
This year’s conference brought together leading experts and projects to discuss the future of smart, autonomous inland and short-sea shipping. Represented by our project coordinator Tomas Ambra, Inlecom, and partner Matko Barisic, ABB, FOREMAST took part in a joint session “Navigating the Future: Innovations and Advancements in Smart, Autonomous Inland and Short-Sea Shipping” alongside notable projects such as AUTOFLEX, SEAMLESS, and ReNEW.
Our team highlighted significant achievements and addressed the challenges facing the green shipping sector, emphasizing the integration of smart technologies and maritime safety.
During the session, we conveyed several main messages critical to advancing autonomous navigation in Europe:
• Leveraging European Infrastructure: Autonomous navigation must further integrate with established European systems like Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus to enhance operational efficiency.
• Embedding EU Initiatives: It is essential for EU public funds and projects to be embedded in the private strategies of companies, facilitating a smoother market uptake of innovative technologies.
• Importance of Data Sharing: Standardization and data sharing are crucial for ensuring the transferability of digital solutions across various regions in Europe, enabling effective interaction between vessels and inland waterway infrastructure.
• Recognizing Current Practices: The actual deployment of autonomous and teleoperated vessels by logistics operators should be considered a priority, not an afterthought.
The session also featured engaging discussions among panellists on various topics, including the technical challenges in developing autonomous vessels, logistics and automation processes, the role of sustainability and green technology in smart shipping, and the future workforce in an increasingly autonomous industry.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all attendees and participants who made this event a success. Together, we are shaping the future of maritime technology!
For more updates on the FOREMAST project and our ongoing initiatives, stay tuned to our website.
