When Ships talk: "Demonstration of Intention sharing for inland vessels"
Rotterdam, Netherlands – October 15th, 2025
The MAGPIE project (Port of Rotterdam, MTS and Argonics) and Rijkswaterstaat collaborated with Periskal, Tresco Engineering, Argonav GmbH, Tidalis, QPS, Topcorridors, Rotterdam Mainport Institute in the public event “When Ships Talk: Demonstration of Intention Sharing for Inland Vessels” in Rotterdam (the Netherlands). Following two days of successful technical tests and workshops, the public event took place on and along the Nieuwe Maas, highlighting the role of digital intention sharing in the development of automated inland shipping.
The program included a series of technical demonstrations, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) scenarios, and public sessions. Together, these activities showcased how shared intentions can enhance onboard collision warning systems and be integrated into VTS systems to improve situational awareness for inland barges and VTS-operators
The demonstration targeted professionals from the maritime sector, educational institutions, and the general public. Two sessions took place on the 15th, one in English in the morning and one in Dutch in the afternoon. There, the participants witnessed first-hand how vessels automatically share their sailing intentions, an innovation set to transform the future of inland shipping.
Event Overview:
· Date: October 13th-15th, 2025
· Location: Westerkade, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Read the complete press release here:
