This project aims to model the vessel train concept, in which autonomous or low manned vessels follow a crewed leading vessel. The project adds to the research on the H2020 project called NOVIMAR. NOVIMAR’s purpose is to adjust the waterborne transportation such that it can make optimal use of the existing short-sea and inland waterways and can expand the entire waterborne transport chain into the urban areas.
The model developed throughout this PhD looks at the logistics and transport economic potential of the train and assesses its performance in operational and technical variations. It includes combining different vessel sizes in a train for locations across the European waterways. The project also evaluates operational changes with increasing level of automation for special manoeuvres. The assessment will also include a consideration of the impact of climate change and the potential of using welfare economics, in combination with the technical findings of the model, to demonstrate financial benefits of this concept. That way solid future business cases can be built. The ultimate goal is to find a solution to help develop the marine transport sector to keep competitive with alternative transport modes such as trucks, as their level of automation increases.