The MS Letitia has completed an autonomous sailing demonstration in Rotterdam, carrying out maneuvers without manual control from Amaliahaven to Waalhaven, reports London's Port Technology International.

The inland container vessel performed undocking, transiting, and docking operations using onboard systems that monitored traffic and executed collision-avoidance actions. The skipper retained responsibility and could intervene at any time, with the system acting as a navigational support tool.

Oscar van Veen, innovation director at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, stated that autonomous sailing could improve flexibility, efficiency, and reliability in inland shipping. He noted that moving containers, bulk, and liquids by water reduces road congestion and is more energy-efficient.

The trial forms part of the European MAGPIE project, which aims to accelerate smart and sustainable port technologies. Autonomous navigation is one of 10 demonstrator projects spanning maritime, inland waterway, rail, and road transport.

Project partners Alphatron Marine, Argonics, and Argonav are integrating elements of the demonstration into commercial assistance systems. The argoPositionPilot system is already available for vessels with fixed propeller and rudder configurations, while argoRadarPilot is being developed to visualize vessel intentions and detect collisions.

The initiative seeks to translate trial-based innovation into operational tools that can support safer and more efficient inland shipping, particularly in congested European waterways facing capacity and emissions pressures.