News & Press

As the WP3 leader for the SEAMLESS project, Janne Suominen from MacGregor Finland is steering the development of cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize port operations. With a focus on creating the SEAMLESS Building Block #1—Automated Port Interfaces—WP3 is advancing solutions like autonomous mooring systems, optimized cargo handling, and digital stowage planning. These innovations aim to streamline short sea shipping and inland waterway transport, making operations safer, smarter, and more efficient.

Key achievements include progress in autonomous crane systems, smart port call management, and ensuring safety and security in port operations. Collaboration across work packages has been essential, with WP2 and WP5 providing crucial input for technical design and use case definitions.

Looking ahead, WP3 is gearing up to integrate SEAMLESS digital systems with real-world operational environments, with first integrations expected in the next six months. Reflecting on the journey so far, Janne highlights the importance of clear communication and teamwork in a consortium of 27 partners. The SEAMLESS team is on track to deliver impactful results for the European Community.

Discover more by reading the interview!

*

Brief Introduction: 

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role in the SEAMLESS project?

I’m Janne Suominen Naval Arch. (B.Sc.), M.Eng. from Macgregor Finland. My main task at MacGregor is to find new offering development opportunities through EU-funded projects. Now for the SEAMLESS project I’m steering the work of MacGregor and the Workpackage 3 (WP3) as WP leader. 

Overview of Work Package:  

Could you provide an overview of your work package’s objectives and its importance within the SEAMLESS project?

The WP3 is technical a workpackage. Its target is to Develop SEAMLESS Building Block #1: Automated Port Interfaces. This so called autonomous “DockNLoad” system would include (a) optimization of port processes, (b) development of digital stowage plan system, (c) ensuring and designing safe and secure autonomous mooring and cargo handling and (d) establishing the requirement for new digital interfaces for afore mentioned. The developed technologies are then tested within in demonstration use cases hence the importance of reaching the goal is almost unmatched. 

Goals and Targets: 

What are the main goals of your work package? Are there any specific targets or milestones you aimed to achieve?

In more detail WP3 includes optimization of cargo handling processes within SSS and IWW port. To achieve that we have to develop a digital system that is able to autonomously plan/create the actual flow of cargo with all necessary interface points between the vessel and the terminal. For the actual operation we are designing an autonomous mooring system that is able to place the rope on to the bollard and keep the required tension whilst cargo is operated. For cargo handling our aim is to further develop functionalities of the fully autonomous Triple joint crane, a design that was started during MOSES and AEGIS projects. Also, as important to the engineering design is the study of operational safety and security by NTUA. Further to support autonomous port visit AWAKE.AI is further developing their smart port call manager so that autonomous negotiations with port authority regarding port arrival, stay and departure is possible. 

Key Achievements: 

What are the key achievements of your work package so far?

It is difficult to say what the key achievements are as the progress on each task has been good although we suffered from a slow start. From MacGregor we have first drafts of the headblock and the new control system design available for the crane as well as the plans for the autonomous stowage plan software are in place. VPF has done an excellent job conceptualizing port interfaces regarding intermodal cargo.  The same goes for AWAKE.AI as the required additions and interface requirements on the Smart Port Manager for autonomous vessels are defined. On top of that NTUA has dived into the design of mooring and cargo handling systems to assess the safety and security aspects. 

Collaboration: 

How did you collaborate with other work packages? What has been the impact of this collaboration?

The collaboration of WP2 has been crucial to paving the path for the technical design as the operational environment is described by it. Also, participating in the WP5 meetings and building more understanding on the use case definitions has helped us to work for the same joint goal. Having said that it has been most important to get to influence the DUC definitions within WP7. All in all, the structure of the SEAMLESS project by WP1 has been good! 

Future Plans: 

What are the next steps for your work package? Are there any upcoming activities or developments you’re particularly excited about?

Even though we have achieved a lot there are a lot of things to achieve. One major issue would be connecting the SEAMLESS digital systems ModalNet and VCOP to the actual operational environment. To get that done we need to work hard to convince the required external parties.  I’m happy to say that there is good progress on that and within coming 6months we should be able to see the first integrations taking place. But to keep us in the good track we need to continue our excellent seamless internal information flow! 

Lessons Learned: 

What are some key lessons you’ve learned throughout the process? How might these lessons be applied to future projects or initiatives?

Being part of a consortia of 27 members requires a lot. The input, output and motivation of each of these partners needs to be understood. That takes time but as it is clear, it is then easy to navigate and steer your team seamlessly towards the set goals. For the partners in the WP the WP-leader must do his/her best to take care of the administrative tasks so that they can concentrate on the actual value creating work. 

Final Thoughts: 

Is there anything else you would like to share about your work package or the SEAMLESS project in general?

Looking back to the initial steps of the SEAMLESS project there has been changes that have caused disturbances to the process. But I must admit that this consortium has overcome those issues very well and there is no doubt that we can deliver the promised result to the European Community.