The NavAuWall project aims to enhance the level of automation on inland waterway vessels, enabling an increase in their autonomy level from 2 to 3.
Its ambition: to promote modal shift for companies in the construction and waste management sectors, and to increase the competitiveness of inland navigation along the Walloon corridor for larger transport volumes.
Thanks to this automation, a shore-based control center operator will be able to supervise 3 to 6 vessels (compared to 1 or 2 today).
The project does not aim for fully autonomous vessels — a crew member will always remain on board.
An official authorization for automated navigation has already been approved by Minister Henry, with a regulatory framework expected in the coming months.
