Autonomous and interconnected technologies for the container supply chain: The MOSES Concept

The maritime branch of the EU container supply chain is configured as hub-andspoke networks where large containerships transport cargo to Deep-Sea Shipping (DSS) ports and a limited number of Short Sea Shipping (SSS) feeder lines and container trucks on RoPax vessels distribute cargo to smaller ports for further transhipment. However, economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable land-based transportation still covers most of the cargo transhipment from Hub ports. MOSES aims to significantly improve the modal shift to SSS by creating sustainable feeder services to small ports that have limited or no infrastructure (Figure 1). This will be achieved by developing the following highly automated/autonomous technologies and integrating them in existing operational processes: i) a digital collaboration and matchmaking platform (MOSES platform), ii) an innovative, green feeder vessel with a robotic container handling system, iii) a manoeuvring and docking scheme where autonomous tugboats collaborate with an automated mooring system.