A significant development in autonomous inland navigation was achieved on October 24th, 2025, when the newbuild riverboat MS Lumière completed the first fully autonomous Dock2Dock voyage. The demonstration, conducted between Hardinxveld-Giessendam and Gorinchem, represented a joint effort by Shipping Technology, Retina, and the shipowner, Scylla AG.
The voyage utilised Retina’s M-Pilot manoeuvring system in combination with Shipping Technology’s ST BRAIN and Autonomous Lane Assist (ST Sailing). These systems enabled MS Lumière to undock, navigate, and dock without manual steering input, even while operating under a crosswind of Beaufort Force 8.
Throughout the trial, the ship’s Captain maintained oversight and control, ensuring that all operations met safety requirements.
The autonomous functions included automated undocking guided by M-Pilot and ST BRAIN, route navigation via Autonomous Lane Assist, and precision docking supported by continuous sensor input. The M-Pilot managed the vessel’s thrusters and engines, integrating real-time data ten times per second to maintain stability and heading. The coordinated system adjusted rudder and propulsion pod movements automatically, providing smooth and accurate manoeuvring—particularly effective for vessels equipped with Z-drives.
The system accounted for variables such as vessel load, engine revolutions, and turning acceleration to calculate optimal steering responses. By linking directly to the propulsion system, the integrated technology marked an important step toward fuel-efficient, just-in-time sailing and sustainable operations.
The collaboration between Retina and Shipping Technology demonstrated how automated control can enhance both efficiency and safety without removing human oversight. According to the companies involved, the focus of such technology is not on replacing captains but on providing advanced tools to assist them in navigation and reduce workload.
The MS Lumière, recently commissioned by Scylla, served as the test platform for the trial only two weeks after entering service. The successful voyage was followed by discussions among maritime professionals and partners on the future application of autonomous systems within inland navigation.
The Dock2Dock project illustrated a tangible shift from theoretical concepts to practical deployment of autonomous operations in inland shipping, establishing a new benchmark for integration of digital control and human supervision in real-world maritime environments.