The automated and unmanned inland vessel

Automation is an ongoing development that has already changed the inland waterway transport sector (IWT) fundamentally. One of the next possible steps is the technology for fully automated operation systems under conditions and with the possibility for human intervention from on-shore. This article develops and explores a fully automated and unmanned inland vessel and questions if a positive business case for the IWT and society is possible. It also identifies the success and failure factors of this innovation. Two analyses were applied regarding barriers that could prevent market uptake (System of innovation approach, SIA), and the social costs and benefits of automation (Social Cost/Benefit Analysis, SCBA). The innovation has the potential to be disruptive in the entire supply chain as all transport modes are discovering their automation potential. The technology is assumed to have a possible impact on vessel safety, trip planning, fuel efficiency and even freight capacity. Also the institutional framework of the European IWT is taken in account regarding crew requirements and safety standards. (paper)