MacGregor tests autonomous cargo systems as SEAMLESS moves to live operations

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MacGregor has completed the first official demonstration of its autonomous cargo handling and planning technologies under the EU funded SEAMLESS project, moving the programme from digital development toward operational testing on European waterways.

The demonstration took place on June 3 at the University of South Eastern Norway in Horten. It tested systems designed to support autonomous short sea and inland shipping, including automated cargo planning, container tracking and high precision crane operations.

SEAMLESS brings together 26 companies, universities and research institutes from 12 European countries. The programme aims to improve the reliability, resilience and efficiency of regional maritime transport by connecting autonomous vessels, cargo handling systems, ports and logistics platforms.

The Horten event focused on a planned transport operation in Norway’s Oslo Fjord, where autonomous vessels would move trailers and containers between ports.

MacGregor’s work in SEAMLESS follows its involvement in the earlier MOSES and AEGIS research programmes.

Those projects demonstrated that automated equipment could transfer cargo between a quay and a vessel. SEAMLESS expands that work by testing whether automated systems can respond to changing cargo volumes, several port calls and commercial operating conditions.

MacGregor Chief Executive Jonas Gustavsson said the demonstration provided proof that integrated physical and digital systems could work in realistic operating scenarios.

“Today, we have seen the future. We now have proof of concept that these integrated digital and physical systems work seamlessly in real world scenarios,” Gustavsson said.

He added that further progress would depend on cooperation around international regulations and safety standards. That work will be necessary before autonomous cargo operations can be deployed more widely across European ports and shipping networks.

One of the technologies demonstrated was MacGregor’s Voyage and Container Optimisation Platform, known as VCOP.

The web based system receives cargo bookings and uses the information to create vessel loading and stowage plans. It considers the sailing route, cargo sequence and the vessel’s upcoming port calls.

The platform is linked to a remote operations centre, allowing operators to monitor the position and loading status of individual containers and trailers.

Its role is not limited to preparing an initial plan. When cargo arrives late or fails to reach the terminal, VCOP can recalculate the stowage arrangement within seconds.

That capability could become important on multiport routes, where one missing container can affect several later moves. A loading plan is similar to a tightly packed puzzle. When one piece disappears, the remaining pieces may need to be repositioned without delaying the vessel.

MacGregor said the platform is intended to improve schedule reliability and reduce the workload placed on cargo planners rather than simply increase handling speed.

The company also presented its autonomous triple joint crane concept, which is being developed for container handling operations that require controlled and accurate movements.

Unlike conventional cranes that rely mainly on suspended wire systems, the design uses robotic joints to maintain a rigid grip on the load. This allows the crane to guide containers into a vessel’s cargo guides while limiting uncontrolled movement.

Advanced winches are designed to reduce load swing and adjust the angle of the container as the vessel moves in the water.

The crane also uses cameras and sensors to identify its target and monitor the surrounding operating area. Operations can be paused automatically when a person or unexpected object enters the designated safety zone.

MacGregor said the crane has been validated in advanced digital simulations by its research and development team. Physical testing will be needed before the system can be assessed under changing weather, vessel movement and terminal conditions.

The next SEAMLESS demonstration is scheduled for October 21 at the Port of Antwerp Bruges.

The event will shift the focus to inland waterways and a multiport European transport network. It will include live testing of an autonomous mooring system installed on the inland vessel LETITIA.

The system uses a robotic arm mounted onboard the vessel to connect the ship to bollards without conventional manual mooring operations. It is based on technology originally developed by MacGregor for the autonomous container vessel Yara Birkeland.

Hugo Rosano, technical lead for the project, said live testing remained necessary because simulations could not reproduce every commissioning and operational issue encountered on open water.

“Simulations give us a fantastic foundation, but live, real world testing is essential,” Rosano said. “It is the only way to catch real world commissioning and operational challenges that only show up when you are out on open water.”

During the October demonstration, VCOP will manage real time cargo plans across a ten stop network connecting Duisburg, Gorinchem, Alblasserdam, Rotterdam, Moerdijk, Antwerp Bruges, Ghent, Lille and additional calls at Antwerp Bruges and Ghent.