Inland waterways are the unsung arteries of Europe’s transport network. Stretching over 41,000 kilometers, they connect major cities and industrial regions, moving bulk goods like coal, grain, and construction materials efficiently and with a far lighter environmental footprint than road freight. Yet as essential as they are, these waterways come with their own bottlenecks. Navigating locks – especially with today’s larger vessels – can be tricky, slow, and sometimes hazardous. To keep pace with rising freight volumes and environmental goals, the system needs smarter, more responsive infrastructure. A new pilot project is now putting advanced ship positioning technologies to the test in real-world lock operations.
Why a pilot is essential for your innovation
Lock operations are a delicate dance between ship and infrastructure. A small miscalculation in positioning can lead to delays, collisions, or wasted resources. The goal of this pilot is to test a technology-driven approach to help ships navigate into locks with far greater accuracy. Here’s what the pilot sets out to achieve:
1. Validate technological feasibility in real conditions
This isn’t just a lab experiment. The pilot will put a range of technologies – GPS, lidar, cameras, and real-time data processing systems – through their paces in working locks. The aim is to:
- Gauge how accurately and reliably these sensor systems can determine a ship’s position and orientation.
- Evaluate how well data processing algorithms and communication systems provide real-time positional information to lock operators and captains.
- Ensure that the positioning technology can plug into existing lock control systems smoothly to enhance automation and safety.
2. Boost efficiency in lock operations
Precision matters. With better data, captains can steer into position faster and with greater confidence. The potential benefits are significant:
- Faster maneuvering = shorter transit times
- Optimized lock filling and emptying = reduced water consumption and turbulence
- Enhanced capacity = bigger ships, handled more safely
3. Raise the bar on safety
Technology adds an extra layer of awareness where it matters most:
- Collision alerts help prevent accidents between vessels and lock infrastructure
- Grounding warnings flag shallow spots or uneven lock floors
- Emergency data sharing gives rescue teams accurate, real-time ship positions
4. Gather real-world evidence
A pilot project is only as good as the data it generates. This one will deliver key insights into:
- How does the technology and positioning system perform across different scenarios
- What impact does it have on traffic flow and throughput
- Whether it leads to measurable safety improvements
Designing a pilot testbed for the future
Developing a pilot like this requires more than just technical expertise; it’s about understanding the full operational context. That means identifying what needs to be tested, how success should be measured, and who needs to be involved. In this case, the pilot was carefully designed to assess both the technical viability of the positioning system and its potential value for everyday lock operations. Verhaert Strategic Innovation has played a key role in coordinating the planning and design of this project, ensuring it aligns with both technological and operational goals. The initiative also brings together a wide network of stakeholders, from waterway authorities and lock operators to technology providers and vessel owners, to ensure the solution fits real-world needs.
While the immediate focus is on improving how a single lock functions, the broader goal is to lay the groundwork for smarter, safer, and more sustainable inland navigation across Europe and particularly Flanders. As freight volumes increase and environmental demands intensify, pilots like this serve as a crucial step toward modernizing waterway infrastructure.
What this pilot tells us
The insights gained from this pilot go beyond technical validation; they highlight some key principles for driving meaningful innovation:
- Innovation needs real-world testing. Pilots help prove what works and what doesn’t before scaling.
- Partnerships matter. Collaboration between tech firms, public bodies, and operators is key.
- Data drives change. Concrete results from this pilot could influence how Europe invests in lock systems moving forward.
The “Positiebepaling van schepen in binnenvaartsluizen” pilot is more than a technical trial; it’s a vision of how Europe can use innovation to meet its transport and climate challenges head-on. Flanders is steering toward a future where smart infrastructure isn’t the exception, but the norm. Is your organization ready to pilot new technologies that can drive long-term impact in infrastructure and sustainability?
