On 23 June 2026, FOREMAST joined AUTOFLEX, SEAMLESS and ALICE for the online workshop “Autonomous Inland Waterway Vessels: Market Ready or Are There Still Links Missing?”, bringing together representatives from logistics, ports, research and industry.
Moving beyond a purely technological discussion, the workshop focused on the practical conditions required for market uptake, including logistics integration, infrastructure, regulation, business viability and stakeholder cooperation. The three Horizon Europe projects presented complementary approaches: FOREMAST focuses on Small, Flexible, Automated and Zero-emission (SFAZ) vessels, AUTOFLEX explores flexible transport systems combining autonomous vessels with temporary terminals and multimodal operations, while SEAMLESS is developing trustworthy autonomous waterborne logistics services supported by digital infrastructure and remote operations.
The FOREMAST coordinator – Georgia Tsiochantari from INLECOM – presented how the project is using European Living Labs, digital twins, simulations and market analysis to identify where SFAZ vessels can create the greatest operational and commercial value. Initial findings indicate strong potential in logistics chains with regular freight flows, cargo consolidation and effective multimodal connections.
An interactive poll identified clear regulation and business viability as the leading barriers to large-scale deployment. Most participants nevertheless expected autonomous inland vessels to become commercially viable within the next five to ten years. During the panel discussion, industry and logistics representatives also highlighted the importance of reliable services, competitive costs, suitable port infrastructure, digital information exchange and stable conditions for long-term investment.
The workshop concluded that autonomous navigation technology is advancing rapidly and is no longer the principal obstacle. The next challenge is to demonstrate that autonomous vessels can create sustainable value as part of complete logistics systems. Continued cooperation among projects, ports, operators, technology providers and public authorities will therefore be essential to move from successful demonstrations towards widespread commercial deployment.
