The Port of Rotterdam Authority has completed a successful trial with an unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Prinses Margriethaven on Maasvlakte 2, marking the first time an autonomous vessel has been permitted to operate in Dutch waters outside a closed test area.
The test followed a change to the Inland Navigation Police Regulations (BPR) introduced in April 2025, allowing exemptions from the requirement for vessels to be crewed at all times.
Harbour Master René de Vries granted the first such exemption for this trial, enabling Demcon Unmanned Systems’ V3000 vessel to sail autonomously under supervision from a crewed Port of Rotterdam Authority vessel.
The V3000 is a three-metre USV used for hydrographic surveying, including depth measurements in harbours and waterways. It is equipped with automation and safety systems to support independent operation, with a compact design to enable work in areas inaccessible to larger vessels.
The trial forms part of the port authority’s fleet renewal programme, which will see all vessels replaced over the next 12 years as they reach the end of their technical service life.
“During the fleet renewal process, we are exploring various options that will help us even better fulfil our tasks in the port of Rotterdam,” said Harbour Master de Vries.
“Unmanned vessels could complement our current surface vessels. It is encouraging that we can now accommodate such initiatives with an exemption from the BPR.”
