River Cruiser Completes Autonomous Voyage

Shipping Technology, Retina, and Scylla successfully completed the first-ever autonomous Dock2Dock voyage - from undocking in Hardinxveld-Giessendam to docking in Gorinchem with Scylla’s new passenger vessel MS Lumière.

The demonstration combined Retina’s M-Pilot maneuvering 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.

“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. “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.”

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.

“This is particularly relevant for vessels