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FOREMAST: pioneering Small, Flexible, Automated Zero-Emission Vessels

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  • Project Summary, Objectives and Expected Impacts

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    foremast

    The FREight vOlumes transfer from Road to waterborne transport, using zero-EMission, Automated, Small and flexible vessel protoTypes (FOREMAST) project, initiated under the Horizon Europe programme, aims to transform the transport sector by developing innovative Small, Flexible, Automated Zero-Emission (SFAZ) vessels. Launched on 1 January 2024, FOREMAST intends to ease urban congestion, reduce environmental impact, and increase the efficiency of inland waterway transport.

    Objectives

    FOREMAST is dedicated to shifting freight volumes from road to more sustainable waterborne alternatives by integrating advanced zero-emission technologies and automation. The project focuses on enhancing the functionality and deployment of SFAZ vessels across European inland waterways, aiming to transform both urban and coastal logistics systems through innovative transport solutions.

    The project is structured around four ambitious pillars:

    • Automation and navigation (P1): Developing a selectable level of automation with advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems, tailored for efficient inland waterway transport (IWT) operations. This includes the creation of a next generation remote control centre.
    • Zero-emission energy solutions (P2): Implementing hybrid electric and fuel cell technologies to evaluate and optimise energy management for zero emission operations.
    • Vessel design and innovation (P3): Innovating vessel designs to increase flexibility in cargo capacity and adaptability in different water conditions, supported by comprehensive simulations.
    • Operational optimisation tools (P4): Developing a Digital Twinning Platform for design and operational efficiency, integrating innovative components for robust logistics solutions.

    Demonstration and validation

    Two physical Living Labs in Ghent and Caen will demonstrate the practical implementation of SFAZ vessels, focusing on their integration into automated smart terminals within optimised logistics networks. A virtual Living Lab in Galati will extend these demonstrations to showcase the scalability and applicability of the solutions.

    Outcomes and impact

    FOREMAST aims to contribute to a modal shift from road to IWT, thereby reducing congestion and lower emissions. The success of the project will be measured by its ability to implement cutting-edge technologies in real-world scenarios, ensuring sustainable and efficient transport solutions.
     
     
    Project duration: 1 January 2024 - 31 December 2026
     

    https://foremast.eu/

  • ALICE members as partners of FOREMAST

  • Project Q&A: Ask Your questions here!

  • Presentations, Documents & Leaflets