A ground-breaking moment in autonomous inland shipping occurred on Friday, 24 October 2025, when Shipping Technology, Retina, and Scylla successfully conducted the first autonomous Dock2Dock journey.
This demonstration took place aboard Scylla's newly launched passenger vessel, MS Lumière, marking a significant advancement in maritime technology. The vessel autonomously navigated from Hardinxveld-Giessendam to Gorinchem, unaffected even by challenging weather conditions like a gale-force crosswind.
Dock2Dock project success
Dock2Dock project is a testament to the current reality of autonomous shipping technology
The Dock2Dock project is a testament to the current reality of autonomous shipping technology, moving it from conceptual to operational.
David Woudenberg, Head of Product Development at Shipping Technology, asserted that autonomy in this context aims to enhance human oversight, enabling safer and more efficient navigation, while also reducing fuel usage.
"With the Dock2Dock project, we're proving that autonomous technology is no longer futuristic - it's happening now. Safely, efficiently, and sustainably," he stated.
A collaborative demonstration
In this first-of-its-kind demonstration, several advanced maritime systems worked in unison. Retina's M-Pilot manoeuvring system, alongside Shipping Technology's ST BRAIN and Autonomous Lane Assist system (ST Sailing), facilitated autonomous undocking, routing, and docking, all under the captain's supervision.
The integration of these systems ensured precise control over rudder and engine functions, promoting optimal route navigation.
"It's not about removing the captain; it's about giving crews smarter tools for safer and more efficient navigation," added David Woudenberg.
Technological precision and control
The system analyses real-time data ten times per second, allowing vessels to operate with controlled precision
During the voyage, Retina's M-Pilot managed both the vessel's thrusters and engines, complemented by the precision of Shipping Technology's ST BRAIN.
This innovative use of technology is particularly beneficial for vessels equipped with Z-drives, as noted by Tom Panjer, Founder of Retina BV.
The system analyses real-time data ten times per second, allowing vessels to operate with controlled precision, thereby freeing experienced captains to focus on strategic tasks and boosting confidence among less experienced crews.
Advancements in maritime autonomy
The pilot system's continuous analysis of variables, such as vessel load and engine RPM enables an efficient steering response, fostering developments like 'just-in-time sailing,' which optimises fuel consumption.
Tom Panjer highlighted the importance of data, clarifying, "Reliable data is essential, but people must stay in control."
This synergy between the M-Pilot and ST BRAIN was successfully showcased during the event, demonstrating that automation in inland shipping is now feasible without compromising control.
Integration from inception
The MS Lumière, having started favour 2 weeks prior, served as an exemplary platform to showcase
The MS Lumière, having started service just two weeks prior, served as an exemplary platform to showcase how contemporary vessels can immediately benefit from advanced automation technologies.
The event was followed by a networking session on board, where guests, partners, and media discussed the implications of smart navigation's future.
Practical autonomy in action
Addressing the broader industry context, Tom Panjer mentioned, "In the market, there’s a lot of talk about autonomous sailing, but very little real demonstration."
The event illustrated a shift from theory to practice, allowing for automated docking and undocking while maintaining captain oversight, representing a significant stride toward practical autonomy in maritime operations.
Shipping Technology emphasises strategic route planning, whereas Retina focuses on vessel operation safety and control. This collaboration's essence was echoed by Woudenberg, "I'm proud of our team and of showing what's possible when companies focus on collaboration and learning, rather than on perceived future challenges."
A major, and global, milestone for autonomous inland shipping was reached on Friday 24 October 2025. During a live showcase on board Scylla’s brand-new passenger vessel - MS Lumière, Shipping Technology, Retina, and Scylla successfully completed the first-ever autonomous Dock2Dock voyage - from undocking in Hardinxveld-Giessendam to docking in Gorinchem.
The demonstration combined Retina’s M-Pilot manoeuvring system with the ST BRAIN and Autonomous Lane Assist (ST Sailing) from Shipping Technology, enabling the vessel to undock, sail and dock autonomously under real-world conditions (even a gale-force crosswind of Beaufort 8 did not affect the ship’s course!). Throughout the route, the captain remained in full control and supervision, always ensuring safety.
Dock2Dock project
“With the Dock2Dock project, we’re proving that autonomous technology is no longer futuristic - it’s happening now. Safely, efficiently, and sustainably,” says David Woudenberg, Head of Product Development at Shipping Technology.
He adds, “It’s not about removing the captain; it’s about giving crews smarter tools for safer and more efficient navigation. And about reducing fuel consumption.”
A first-of-its-kind demonstration
The live showcase demonstrated seamless cooperation between advanced maritime systems:
- Autonomous undocking powered by Retina’s M-Pilot, in combination with Shipping Technology’s ST BRAIN
- Autonomous Lane Assist (ST SAILING) for the main trip
- Autonomous docking, with the captain overseeing each phase of the voyage
Rudder and pod movements
During the showcase, the Retina M-Pilot controlled both the thrusters and the engines of the river cruise vessel, working seamlessly with Shipping Technology’s ST BRAIN and Autonomous Lane Assist (ALA).
Together, these systems guided the vessel along the optimal route from A to B, automatically managing rudder and pod movements with remarkable precision.
Vessels with Z-drives
“This is particularly relevant for vessels with Z-drives. The system measures what happens 10 times per second, allowing controlled and safe operations. Experienced captains will have more time for other tasks; less experienced crew will feel better supported,” says Tom Panjer, Founder of Retina BV.
He adds, “Also, and let me be very clear about this: reliable data is essential, but people must stay in control.”
Precision and control
The pilot system continuously factors in variables such as vessel load, engine RPM, and desired turning acceleration to determine the most efficient steering response. By integrating directly with the propulsion system - a major step forward - the technology now also opens the door to future ‘just-in-time sailing’, reducing fuel consumption and supporting more sustainable operations.
Tom Panjer stated: “The M-Pilot working together with the ST BRAIN performed exactly as intended, and that’s a true turning point for automation in inland shipping. The M-Pilot and ST BRAIN combination allows vessels to manoeuvre and sail autonomously while maintaining full control.”
The MS Lumière, operated by Scylla, entered service only two weeks before the event, making it the ideal platform to demonstrate how modern vessels can integrate advanced autonomy and data technology from day one. Following the voyage, guests, partners and media joined the crew on board for networking and discussions on the future of smart navigation.
From talk to action
Tom Panjer adds: “In the market, there’s a lot of talk about autonomous sailing, but very little real demonstration, and most of that is about remote-controlled navigation. That’s why this showcase matters. Normally, captains turn off their track pilot when approaching or leaving a berth - now, that process itself can be automated, with the captain staying fully in charge. It means more focus on navigation, less on manual controls, and a big step toward practical autonomy.”
One could say that Shipping Technology focuses on where you want to go and how you want to get there. Retina looks at how to control the vessel: making sure a ship arrives at its destination in a controlled and safe way.
“That’s the essence of our collaboration," says David Woudenberg, adding “I’m proud of our team and of showing what’s possible when companies focus on collaboration and learning, rather than on perceived future challenges.”
