MAGPIE is actively contributing to the Intention Sharing demonstration organized by Rijkswaterstaat, by deploying two vessels—Letitia (operated by barge operator MTS) and Ab Initio (from the Rotterdam Mainport Institute). In the demonstration, Magpie showcases how shared intentions can enhance collision warning systems and be integrated into Vessel Traffic Systems (VTS) to improve safety and efficiency on inland waterways.
The demonstration will take place in Rotterdam from 13–15 October 2025.
Intention sharing allows vessels operating with a track pilot system to broadcast their pre-programmed course, enabling them to anticipate the movements of other vessels sharing their own intended routes. Sharing intended course and speed between vessels—and with VTS—is a key enabler of autonomous navigation.
As part of the “Intention Sharing” demo, Rijkswaterstaat and private-sector partners will demonstrate how vessel intentions can be exchanged via AIS and a centralized platform. MAGPIE partners—Port of Rotterdam, MTS, and Argonics—will demonstrate how shared intentions can enhance onboard collision warning systems and be integrated into VTS systems to improve situational awareness and reduce the workload of VTS operators.
Looking Ahead: The Kiss & Ride Demonstration in Spring 2026
MAGPIE’s contribution to the Intention Sharing demonstration serves as a prelude to the upcoming demonstration of the Kiss & Ride concept, planned for Spring 2026.
The Kiss & Ride concept is an innovative logistics model that leverages small, autonomous electric container vessels to provide a sustainable and flexible transport solution. This approach addresses growing port congestion and pressure on hinterland connections, which are being exacerbated by the increasing scale of seagoing vessels and terminal equipment. During the 2026 demonstration, MAGPIE will showcase several key innovations essential to the Kiss & Ride concept, including:
- Planning and coordination systems
- Integration of barge and terminal systems
- Data acquisition and analysis
- Autonomous navigation within port areas
Autonomous sailing will be demonstrated by MS Letitia through container transport between port locations, using pre-designated routes ranging from 0.5 km to 30 km.
Demo Schedule (more information and registration link to follow)
- Monday 13 October – Technical test: Multiple vessels will share their sailing intentions and demonstrate collision warning functionalities in real-time scenarios.
- Tuesday 14 October – VTS-focused demo: Scenarios will be executed to explore and demonstrate how intention sharing supports Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) operators.
- Wednesday 15 October – Open Day: Demonstrations of intention sharing, collision avoidance, and VTS integration will be shown to the maritime sector, education institutions, and the general public. There are two demonstration sessions you can register for: one in the morning in English, and one in the afternoon in Dutch.
