At Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we continually seek innovative ways to operate more efficiently and sustainably. In this context, Port Authority colleagues in Zeebrugge, working with Business Development, tested the Mahificent, an autonomous vessel from MA)HI, last week. This Belgian start-up specialises in autonomous boating technology. An excellent reason to sit down with port captain Kim Pettens and Pieter-Jan Note, CEO of MAHI.
What does the collaboration entail?
Pieter-Jan Note – CEO MAHI: “MAHI provides maritime autonomous navigation systems for USVs, workboats, and small vessels. We are delighted to be working with Port of Antwerp-Bruges and to demonstrate that unmanned surface vessels can increase the efficiency of port inspection and surveillance. This demonstration reveals how user-friendly the system is for port operators.”
What prompted this simulation?
Kim Pettens – Port Captain Zeebrugge: “In Antwerp, we currently have two manned enforcement vessels. Zeebrugge has the same inspection requirements, but it is not economically feasible to operate a fully manned ship there. Conditions in Zeebrugge are also different from those in Antwerp. In the outer harbour, you are still technically at sea. Due to wind sensitivity, small drones cannot be deployed there. We therefore depend on third-party assistance in all aspects of our work.
For example, we enlist the help of the Brabo team, who head to the scene with their boats to retrieve items from the water. We also rely on the Waterway Police to secure the safe entry and exit of LNG ships. Introducing our own cost-efficient vessel in Zeebrugge would represent a key milestone for the port’s operations. Smart technology can perform routine quay inspections, identifying problems like broken ladder rungs or damaged fender panels, so our team can dedicate time to other key responsibilities.
What tests were on the programme?
Kim Pettens: We set up a console at the Coordination Centre (6th floor of the Pierre Vandamme House). That was operated by a colleague, called the remote captain. They operated the Mahificent remotely and were able to carry out staged inspections at the marina. Among other things, we wanted to test the imaging capabilities of the movable camera on board.
In a second scenario, we carried out a manual intervention. Suppose the remote vessel detects an unsafe situation in the marina. In that case, a Port Authority Officer will need to board the vessel to conduct a further inspection on site. We wanted to test this aspect as well: what is a suitable, safe and convenient boarding location? In this case, we opted for the Swedish quay.
Ensuring the demo ran safely was another key aspect. The vessel had to be approved, and during the test phase, there was always someone on board ready to take manual control in an emergency.
This was, of course, merely a simulation, but it helps us understand how rapidly everything unfolds and the benefits involved. We will now further analyse the results. With this demo, we also aim to inspire other ports to adopt remotely controlled technologies.
Is it a sustainable solution?
Pieter-Jan Note: “In this demonstration, MAHI presents Mahificent, its fully electric, battery-powered vessel, as an example of clean maritime technology. In port operations, electric ships like the Mahificent are well suited to diverse applications and offer notable benefits, including reduced pollutant emissions, lower noise levels and greater energy efficiency.”
Port of the Future: Autonomous Summit – 16 September
Autonomous technology is no longer a thing of the future – it is changing the way we move and work together. Find out more on 16 September at the Port of the Future – Autonomous Summit in the port of Antwerp. Discover first-hand how drones, autonomous vessels, smart rail systems and autonomous vehicles are transforming mobility. Featuring more than 20 interactive live demonstrations alongside expert and organisational insights, the port will showcase its role as an open innovation platform for developing advanced autonomous solutions.
Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges