Europe’s 2050 emission reduction objective places clear expectations on the inland waterway sector. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half will require modernized operational practices that enhance safety, limit fuel-intensive delays and enable higher-efficiency vessel control.
AutoMooring Solutions is supporting this transition with the Rope Picker Robot: (RPR) a robotic mooring system engineered to transfer all mooring actions from the deck to the wheelhouse. This reduces risks to personnel, enhances predictability in docking procedures and supports the scalable adoption of remote and autonomous navigation.
©: AutoMooring Solutions
Key Capabilities and Deployment
Key system capabilities include:
- AI-supported bollard detection to ensure accurate and repeatable mooring
- A rigid robotic arm designed for continuous maritime operation
- A telescopic reach of more than 12 meters to support a wide range of quay configurations and a versatile operational scope
Together, these capabilities support a forward-looking inland waterway transport framework in which safety, operational efficiency and environmental compliance are aligned with Europe’s 2050 ambition. The RPR has progressed through scaled development and validation and is now advancing toward full-scale deployment. Installation has started on the training vessel Prinses Maxima operated by Maritieme Academy Harlingen, with commissioning planned as the key milestone to verify functional performance in line with maritime requirements.
This installation demonstrates the system’s operational value in real-world inland conditions, establishing a practical benchmark for automated mooring within the sector. Crew will gain direct experience in digitally supported operations and automated safety-enhancing systems during standard navigational activities.
©: AutoMooring Solutions
Collaboration and Future Outlook
To further strengthen adoption and support the evolution of inland shipping competencies, AutoMooring Solutions is partnering with Seafar to execute remote-operation pilot activities. This collaboration ensures that both technology and workforce development advance in unison, enabling a new generation of professionals to be adequately prepared for remote and autonomous vessel control responsibilities.
The Rope Picker Robot therefore contributes to a dual imperative: improving safety and operational reliability today while enabling compliance and competitiveness in the decades ahead. As inland shipping continues its path toward automation and emissions reduction, AutoMooring Solutions remains committed to supporting a modern, resilient, and sustainable transport network for Europe and globally in the near future.