Author(s)

MERCEDES DE JUAN, IGNACIO BENITEZ, JORGE MARCOS

Abstract

The MOSES Project (AutoMated Vessels and Supply Chain Optimisation for Sustainable Short SEa Shipping) aims to enhance the short sea shipping (SSS) component of the European supply chain. The MOSES project aims to create sustainable SSS feeder services to small ports with an expected 10% modal shift to SSS in designated areas. To attain this target, MOSES proposes a combination of automated/autonomous technologies and supply and demand matching optimisation, like its AutoDock system for containerships in large terminals, which consists of the MOSES Autonomous Tugboat Swarm, supported by MOSES Shore Tugboat Control Station, and the automated docking scheme. Loading times for feeder vessels in large and small ports are expected to decrease by 20% from the operation of MOSES Robotic Container Handling System outfitted on MOSES Innovative Feeder. Supply chain optimisation aims at increasing the attractiveness of SSS. The Innovative Feeder will be designed for a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of more than 90%. The MOSES solution expects to attract stakeholders to SSS for a more sustainable EU container supply chain from the environmental, cost, and societal perspectives.

Keywords

autonomous vessels, port optimization, clean technologies, safety, modal transport, SSS