For the first time in the Netherlands, a self-driving boat is has been allowed to sail outside of a test area Bounded. The unmanned unit completed with successful navigation test in the Maasvlakte 2 area of the port of Rotterdam. The surface boat of the Dutch Demcon Unmanned Systems, used to measure the depth of ports, rivers, canals and locks, has sailed independently in the Prinses Margriethaven under the supervision of a boat with Port Authority crew.

The experimentation took place as part of the renewal of the Port Authority of Rotterdam's fleet. "During the fleet renewal process - explained the captain of the port, René de Vries - we are evaluating different options that will help us to carry out our work even better. tasks in the port of Rotterdam. Unmanned boats could complement our current surface vessels. Autonomous navigation has not yet been implemented on Dutch waterways. It is encouraging that we can now accept these initiatives thanks to an exemption from the Inland Navigation Police Regulations».