Smart and Green Ship: A Platform for the Development of Automation, Remote Control and Connectivity

The current challenges faced by inland shipping, such as the shortage of nautical personnel and freight structure effect, demand innovative and future-oriented concepts. At the same time, the potential for digitalization is increasing the possibilities for sensory perception, processing of large amounts of data, data transmission and connectivity. Additionally, the transition to sustainable transportation requires efficient and low-emission solutions for ship operations. The Smart and Green Ship concept presented here serves as a testbed to answer current research questions in automated, remotely controlled, interconnected and green inland shipping. The focus of this paper lies in presenting the research gap to be closed, the selection and concept of sensor technology for environmental perception, and the choice of an appropriate IT infrastructure.