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Ferries & inland waterways

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01openalex2026-04-24Donglei Yuan, Xianghua Tao, Guanghui Li, Xiaochi Li +3 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

A Cross-Control-Logic and Disturbance-Adaptive Line-Adhering Intelligent Navigation Framework for Autonomous Ships (opens in a new tab)

This paper introduces a navigation framework for autonomous ships that improves path-following in curved routes and under wind or current disturbances. It uses a rough-set classifier to detect disturbances and adjusts PID, LQR, and MPC controllers in real time. A Bézier-based method refines paths to match ship maneuvering limits, while Nomoto and MMG models ensure dynamic feasibility. Simulations demonstrate better precision, robustness, and comfort compared to traditional heading-keeping autopilots.

02openalex2026-09-22Vladislav Maras, Cyril Alias, Aleksandar Radonjić, Danijela Pjevčević +2 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Rethinking Port Charges in the Age of Autonomous Shipping (opens in a new tab)

The paper examines how autonomous motor cargo vessels (aMCVs) will transform inland waterway transport, necessitating updates to outdated port charging models. Current pricing systems may unfairly disadvantage aMCVs despite their efficiency, as they rely on assumptions misaligned with autonomous operations. The study analyzes technological, economic, and regulatory factors, highlighting the need for resource-based pricing models to incentivize efficiency, sustainability, and safety. Digital platforms and actual infrastructure use are identified as key elements for future port charge calculations.

03Travel And Tour World2026-05-04

Orca AI Partners with Samsung Heavy Industries to Develop Autonomous Vessel Technologies, Enhancing Cruise Tourism Growth with AI-Assisted Navigation and Safety Features (opens in a new tab)

Orca AI and Samsung Heavy Industries have partnered to develop autonomous vessel technologies for the cruise tourism industry. The collaboration aims to enhance navigation and safety features using AI-assisted systems. This initiative is expected to support the growth of cruise tourism by improving operational efficiency and reliability. The project focuses on integrating advanced AI solutions into maritime operations.

04Baird Maritime2026-08-13

Greek companies form partnership for autonomous vessels (opens in a new tab)

Greek companies have formed a partnership to develop autonomous vessels. The collaboration aims to advance maritime technology in Greece. No specific companies or technical details were provided in the announcement. The initiative reflects growing interest in unmanned shipping solutions.

05Digital Ship2026-05-13

ZeroUSV and Manor Marine deepen autonomous vessel production as UK operators prepare for scaled deployment (opens in a new tab)

ZeroUSV and Manor Marine are expanding production of autonomous vessels as UK operators gear up for large-scale deployment. The collaboration aims to meet growing demand for uncrewed maritime solutions. This effort reflects broader industry shifts toward automation in shipping. The focus is on scaling operations to support future commercial and operational needs.

06뉴시스2026-10-26

Deputy Minister Nam Jae-heon discusses autonomous vessel and seafood trade cooperation with Norway (opens in a new tab)

Deputy Minister Nam Jae-heon of South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries met with Norwegian officials on October 26, 2026, to discuss cooperation in autonomous vessel technology and seafood trade. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties in maritime innovation and expanding trade opportunities. No specific agreements or outcomes were detailed in the discussion.

07Εν Άνδρω2026-10-20

Maritime drones: Unmanned vessels that travel 1,000 miles with minimal energy! Could they be seen in the Aegean? (opens in a new tab)

Unmanned maritime drones can travel up to 1,000 miles using minimal energy. The article explores their potential deployment in the Aegean Sea. These vessels are designed for efficiency and long-range operations. Their feasibility in the region is under consideration.

08Ocean News & Technology2026-10-06

Saronic Technologies Names Kevin Humphreys VP of Commercial to Drive Autonomous Vessel Growth (opens in a new tab)

Saronic Technologies appointed Kevin Humphreys as Vice President of Commercial to accelerate the growth of its autonomous vessel division. The move aims to strengthen the company’s market position in uncrewed maritime systems. Humphreys will focus on expanding commercial opportunities for Saronic’s autonomous technologies. The announcement was made on October 6, 2026.

09Splash2472026-09-11

NVIDIA powers American autonomous vessel push (opens in a new tab)

NVIDIA is supporting the development of autonomous vessels in the U.S. by providing advanced computing technology. The company’s solutions are being used to enhance navigation, safety, and operational efficiency in maritime applications. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize the shipping industry through automation. The push reflects growing adoption of AI-driven systems in maritime operations.

10The Providence Journal2026-09-02

Rhode Island Fast Ferry is being used to test autonomous vessel technology (opens in a new tab)

The Rhode Island Fast Ferry is serving as a test platform for autonomous vessel technology. The project aims to evaluate the performance and safety of self-navigating systems in real-world maritime conditions. No specific results or methods beyond the testing phase are reported. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to advance autonomous shipping solutions.

11Travel And Tour World2026-05-04

autonomous vessel technology cruise tourism (opens in a new tab)

Autonomous vessel technology is emerging in cruise tourism, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experiences. These self-navigating ships use advanced sensors, AI, and automation to reduce human error and improve safety. The technology may reshape the industry by lowering costs and enabling new cruise routes. Adoption is expected to grow as regulations and public trust develop.

12openalex2026-08-01Rana Saha, Monica Lundh, Scott N. MacKinnonDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Evaluating stakeholders’ interactions for future autonomous European inland waterway transport (opens in a new tab)

This study examines the shift toward autonomous systems in European Inland Waterway Transport (E-IWT) using a socio-technical framework. Researchers interviewed 29 stakeholders across four subsystems—Technical, Personnel, Work Design, and Environment—analyzing current operations and future scenarios, including manned and unmanned remote-control setups. Findings reveal a predicted shift from vessel-based to shore-based operations, requiring real-time communication, regulatory updates, and standardized Remote Operation Centers (ROCs). The study also highlights misalignments between subsystems and the need for stakeholder collaboration to support higher automation levels.

13en.vneconomy2026-11-02Vietnam Economic Times

Buoying strategic maritime autonomy (opens in a new tab)

Vietnam’s marine industry extends beyond shipbuilding to include ship repair, offshore structures, robotics, sensors, and aquaculture equipment, requiring a broad industrial base to support maritime activities. The country’s long coastline, expanding ports, and diverse maritime sectors—such as shipping, oil and gas, and fisheries—provide advantages but demand self-sufficiency in technology and equipment. Strengthening support industries like steelmaking, electronics, and automation is critical for economic and strategic autonomy. By 2045, Vietnam aims to build an integrated maritime ecosystem, leveraging domestic demand and specialized coastal clusters to compete globally.

14아시아투데이2026-10-28

Deploying unmanned vessels and predicting seafood supply and demand… AI introduced across marine and fisheries sectors (opens in a new tab)

South Korea is introducing AI across marine and fisheries sectors to improve efficiency. The initiative includes deploying unmanned vessels for operations. AI will also be used to predict seafood supply and demand. The technology aims to modernize and optimize the entire industry.

15www.ebn.co.kr2026-09-25

AI to replace captains? Autonomous navigation technology enters era of 700 commercial vessels (opens in a new tab)

Autonomous navigation technology is now deployed on 700 commercial vessels, marking a shift toward AI-driven maritime operations. The advancement suggests AI could increasingly replace traditional ship captains in managing navigation. This development reflects broader trends in automation within the shipping industry. The article highlights the growing commercial adoption of these systems.

16openalex2026-08-27Vedran Simic, Erik Veitch, Ole Andreas Alsos, Taufik Akbar SitompulDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Passenger experience of an autonomous urban ferry: Evidence from a public trial in Norway (opens in a new tab)

This study analyzed feedback from 146 passengers who tested an 8.6-meter autonomous ferry in Trondheim, Norway. Most passengers reported feeling safe, found the ferry easy to use, and would recommend it to others. However, nearly 20% were unclear about emergency evacuation procedures. The research highlighted that spatial comfort and clear pre-ride information improved perceived safety and willingness to use the ferry without a safety host.

17crossref2026-04-20Nini Zhang, Weikai Tan, Ran Yan, Sudong Xu +2 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Advanced prediction of maritime vessel traffic flow using spatio-temporal multi-graph convolutional networks within inland waterways (opens in a new tab)

This study introduces a deep-learning model combining multi-graph convolutional networks and gated recurrent units to predict maritime vessel traffic flow in inland waterways. The approach uses three unstructured graphs to capture spatio-temporal relationships between traffic locations, improving feature extraction. Tested on two real-world datasets, the model outperformed conventional methods in both regional and station-based predictions. The results suggest enhanced accuracy and reliability for waterway management and lock scheduling.

18openalex2026-04-08Xuanchen LiDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

"Lidar_Ship_detectedBY_MID360" (opens in a new tab)

This paper presents a 3D point cloud dataset collected using a Livox Mid-360 LiDAR sensor, targeting real-world vessel detection on inland lakes. It includes small fishing boats with detailed hull structures, water reflections, and varied environmental conditions, formatted for direct use with the OpenPCDet framework. The dataset contains raw point clouds, annotated 3D bounding boxes, and pre-processed metadata for training and validation. It supports research in 3D object detection, segmentation, and maritime perception for unmanned surface vehicles.

19bizjournals.com2026-08-31

Rhode Island ferry company unveils 82-foot autonomous catamaran (opens in a new tab)

A Rhode Island ferry company introduced an 82-foot autonomous catamaran in August 2026. The vessel is designed to operate without a crew, marking a shift toward automated maritime transport. No additional technical or operational details were provided in the announcement. The project reflects growing interest in autonomous shipping technology.

20Splash2472026-06-11

Autonomous barge completes terminal-to-terminal voyage in Rotterdam (opens in a new tab)

A fully autonomous barge successfully completed a terminal-to-terminal voyage in Rotterdam in 2026. The vessel operated without human intervention during the trip. This marks a milestone in autonomous shipping technology. The project demonstrates progress in automated maritime transport.

21crossref2026-05-06Yong Li, Dehang Lian, Jialong Du, Dongxu Gao +2 moreDOI ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Weak Calibration Cross-Fusion Framework for Multi-Modal 3D Object Detection on Unmanned Surface Vehicles (opens in a new tab)

This study introduces RCF-Free, a multi-modal 3D object detection framework for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) that eliminates the need for precise sensor calibration. The method uses a Triple-Path Cross-View Fusion module, a Mobile Self-Attention Module, and a BEV-Point feature encoder to improve 3D perception in dynamic water environments. The authors also present two new water-related datasets, FloW-BEV and WaterScenes-BEV, achieving mAPBEV50 scores of 60.5% and 69.3%, respectively. The model demonstrates strong performance in both water and autonomous driving scenarios, with cross-domain generalization.

22Victoria News2026-04-07

Company envisions autonomous ferry connecting Greater Victoria communities (opens in a new tab)

A company plans to introduce an autonomous ferry service to connect communities in Greater Victoria by 2026. The proposed system aims to improve transportation efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional ferry routes. No specific technical details or operational timelines beyond the vision have been confirmed. The project is still in the conceptual phase.

23연합뉴스2026-11-08

Namisum passenger ship 'Tamnara-ho' in Chuncheon approved for autonomous operation safety assessment (opens in a new tab)

The passenger ship *Tamnara-ho* operating near Namisum Island in Chuncheon has been approved for an autonomous operation safety assessment. This marks a step toward evaluating the vessel's capability for self-navigation. The approval was announced by Yonhap News on November 8, 2026. No further details on the assessment timeline or process were provided.

24재경일보2026-11-08

Namisum passenger ship Tamnara-ho receives first domestic approval for autonomous operation safety (opens in a new tab)

The *Tamnara-ho*, a passenger ship operating near Namisum Island, received South Korea’s first domestic safety approval for autonomous operation. This marks a milestone in the country’s maritime industry for autonomous vessel technology. The approval confirms compliance with safety standards for unmanned or partially automated navigation. No further technical or operational details were provided in the report.

25브릿지경제2026-11-06

Naminara Republic ferry, South Korea's first autonomously operated passenger ship, approved for safety evaluation (opens in a new tab)

South Korea's first autonomously operated passenger ferry, the Naminara Republic ferry (탐나라호), has been approved for safety evaluation. This marks the first time a domestic passenger ship will undergo assessment for autonomous operation. The approval signifies a step toward advancing autonomous maritime technology in the country. The ferry's safety evaluation process will determine its readiness for autonomous navigation.

26트래블아이2026-11-06

Nami Island passenger ferry becomes South Korea's first autonomously operated vessel (opens in a new tab)

A passenger ferry serving Nami Island became South Korea's first autonomously operated vessel in November 2026. The ferry uses advanced navigation and control systems to operate without human intervention. This marks a significant step in the adoption of autonomous maritime technology in the country. The project aims to improve safety and efficiency in ferry operations.

27星島頭條2026-10-22

Yin Shangji – Hong Kong-made unmanned vessels empower smart oceans; green tech goes global | Trade Pioneer (opens in a new tab)

A Hong Kong-based company, Yin Shangji, is developing unmanned vessels to support smart ocean initiatives. These vessels incorporate green technology and are being exported globally. The company aims to enhance maritime efficiency and sustainability through innovation. The technology is positioned as a key player in advancing ocean-related smart solutions.

28부산일보2026-10-13

Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Region Identified as Optimal Site for Commercializing Autonomous Ships and Self-Driving Services [2026 Scale-Up Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Conference] (opens in a new tab)

The Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Buulgyeong) region has been identified as the optimal site for commercializing autonomous ships and self-driving services. This conclusion was highlighted during the 2026 Scale-Up Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Conference. The region’s infrastructure and strategic advantages were emphasized as key factors for deployment. No specific methods or detailed results were provided in the announcement.

29ASDNews2026-10-22

Blue Ops Introduces B-Series Maritime Portfolio with Production-Ready B-18 and B-39 Uncrewed Surface Vessels (opens in a new tab)

Blue Ops launched its B-Series maritime portfolio, featuring two production-ready uncrewed surface vessels: the B-18 and B-39. The announcement, made on October 22, 2026, highlights the company’s expansion into autonomous maritime technology. No additional technical specifications or operational details were provided in the release. The vessels are positioned as ready for deployment.

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