Seafar demonstrated remote sailing of an urban vessel in Ghent, Belgium, within the InnoWaTr project. The video in this article shows how this technology can address the lack of captains and lower emissions, contributing to more sustainable inland waterway transport.
Innovating inland waterway transport
Seafar NV is at the forefront of transforming inland waterway transport through remote sailing operations. From its Remote Operation Centre (ROC) in Antwerp, Seafar enables vessels to be operated with reduced or no onboard crew, directly addressing the industry’s critical shortage of captains. By leveraging machine learning and real-time monitoring technologies, Seafar enhances operational efficiency and contributes to more sustainable urban logistics. Remote sailing reduces emissions, optimizes fuel consumption, and improves the work-life balance for captains, making inland shipping more attractive, competitive, and environmentally friendly.
Remote sailing in action
In November 2025, Seafar demonstrated the future of inland shipping during the InnoWaTr partner meeting in Ghent. The video showcases the remote operation of the AVATAR 3 urban vessel, navigating Ghent’s busy canals from the ROC in Antwerp. This test highlights how remote sailing is a valuable solution that supports sustainable inland and urban logistics.
Watch the video to see how Seafar’s technology is shaping the future of inland waterway transport.
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