First navigation of an unmanned surface vessel in Dutch waters

On 8 October 2025, an unmanned surface vessel (USV) completed its first operational voyage in open waters of the Netherlands. The term “first” here refers to the vessel being the first to legally operate outside a designated test area under Dutch law. Unlike prior trials confined to controlled environments, this voyage represented both a technical and operational milestone in Dutch waters. [1] Similar international examples include the autonomous survey vessels tested in Singapore’s port waters[2] and Norway’s fjords[3].

The trial took place at Prinses Margriethaven on Maasvlakte 2, Rotterdam, and was monitored by a crewed ship from the Port of Rotterdam.[4] The vessel, named V3000, is a three-metre autonomous survey craft developed by Demcon Unmanned Systems, a Dutch company based in Scheveningen. The V3000 operated fully autonomously, collecting hydrographic data such as water depth and seabed mapping. 

This trial was made possible by a legal amendment to the Dutch Inland Navigation Police Regulations (Binnenvaartpolitiereglement, BPR) enacted in April 2025.^[5] Previously, all vessels were required to have a crew. The amendment allows exemptions under strict conditions, including mandatory monitoring, safety system certifications, and adherence to port authority guidelines. The V3000 became the first vessel to receive such an exemption, marking a significant regulatory milestone for autonomous maritime operations in the Netherlands.^[6]

The collaboration between Demcon Unmanned Systems and the Port of Rotterdam Authority is a public-private partnership model. Demcon supplied the vessel and technical expertise, while the Port Authority managed operational approval, safety oversight, and integration with port traffic.[7] Comparable collaborations exist internationally, such as Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority working with tech companies to deploy autonomous surface vessels.[8]

The V3000’s successful trial provides several insights for future port operations. It demonstrates the technical feasibility and legal viability of autonomous vessels performing hydrographic surveys in operational port areas. Over the next 12 years, the Port of Rotterdam Authority plans to renew its fleet, focusing on sustainability, standardised maintenance, and adoption of new technologies. Autonomous vessels like the V3000 may enhance efficiency, enable safer operations in restricted areas, and complement traditional crewed vessels in large port environments. ^[9]

[1] https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/premiere-unmanned-sailing-maasvlakte-2-trial-unmanned-surface-vessel

[2] https://safety4sea.com/nyk-and-mpa-singapore-join-forces-for-autonomous-shipping/ 

[3] https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/vessel-remote-control-trials-set-to-begin-in-norway-82049

[4] https://en.portnews.ru/news/382978/

[5] https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-rotterdam-tests-autonomous-survey-vessel/

[6] https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-rotterdam-tests-autonomous-survey-vessel/

[7] https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-rotterdam-tests-autonomous-survey-vessel/

[8] https://safety4sea.com/nyk-and-mpa-singapore-join-forces-for-autonomous-shipping/ 

[9] https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/premiere-unmanned-sailing-maasvlakte-2-trial-unmanned-surface-vessel