Smart Docking at Port of Antwerp-Bruges: Lasers on the Quay Enhance Vessel Safety

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is testing a new laser-based device to monitor the movement of docked container ships, replacing bulky GPS units and improving port safety in real-time.

When a massive container vessel docks at a terminal, it’s expected to stay put. But even minor shifts—caused by passing ships or tidal forces—can trigger high-risk situations for cranes, gangways, and workers. That’s why the Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched the Smart Docking Challenge—a call for innovative solutions to better monitor moored ships.

The answer? Lasers.

Stefaan Ides, research engineer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, explains: “Our terminals are often along inland waterways. When other vessels pass, the displacement of water can cause docked ships to move—sometimes by two or three metres.”

That’s enough to cause real danger. “If a crane is lifting a container and the ship moves even slightly, the consequences can be severe,” says Mathias Van Laken, port authority supervisor. “The container might swing unpredictably, or the gangway could tip over.”

In worst-case scenarios, ships could collide with cranes or structures. Preventing such incidents has become a top priority.

To address this, some vessels rely on the Shore Tension system—a setup using two large hydraulic pumps to hold the ship in place with added mooring lines. But adoption is inconsistent. Not every vessel uses it.

Port authority teams closely monitor vessels without the system. The data they gather not only helps ensure safe mooring but also supports broader decisions, like advising pilots on where to reduce speed.

“In some cases, we use that data to justify requiring extra safety measures for certain vessels,” adds Van Laken.

For years, officers have used GPS units to track ship movement. It worked—mostly. But it wasn’t easy.

Maarten Callens, another port authority supervisor, describes the setup: “We carry a large backpack, powered by a car battery, which can weigh up to seven kilograms. We board the vessel and magnetically attach the GPS unit at the highest point. Then we wait.”

The device provides accurate positioning and alerts the team if the ship shifts. But the process can take up to 30 minutes to deploy, and GPS signals often drop out when cranes operate overhead.

That meant room for improvement.

In 2020, the port launched the Smart Docking Challenge, inviting companies to develop a better solution. One standout: a compact LiDAR device that attaches to the quay itself.

Stefaan Ides explains: “It uses the same tech found in parking sensors on cars. The laser reflects off the ship’s hull, and the device measures how long it takes for the signal to bounce back. That tells us exactly how far the ship is from the quay.”

Once movement of more than one metre is detected, port supervisors are alerted and sent to assess safety. In some cases, they can immediately recommend installing a Shore Tension system to stabilize the ship.

The new system is light, magnetic, and easy to install—no more backpacks, no boarding the ship.

“All we do is fix the unit to a bollard, point it at the hull, and power it on,” says Maarten Callens. “It’s significantly faster and safer for our team.”

Port officers have tested the device at multiple locations across the port. Early feedback shows that it’s not only more reliable than GPS but also simplifies enforcement and data collection.

“The easier it is to monitor, the better we can ensure safety,” adds Mathias Van Laken.

The port expects to phase out its current GPS system in favor of this new laser-based technology in the coming months.