FOREMAST – pioneering Small, Flexible, Automated Zero-Emission Vessels

The FREight vOlumes transfer from Road to waterborne transport, using zero-EMission, Automated, Small and flexible vessel protoTypes (FOREMAST) project, initiated under the Horizon Europe programme, aims to transform the transport sector by developing innovative Small, Flexible, Automated Zero-Emission (SFAZ) vessels. Launched on 1 January 2024, FOREMAST intends to ease urban congestion, reduce environmental impact, and increase the efficiency of inland waterway transport.

Objectives

FOREMAST is dedicated to shifting freight volumes from road to more sustainable waterborne alternatives by integrating advanced zero-emission technologies and automation. The project focuses on enhancing the functionality and deployment of SFAZ vessels across European inland waterways, aiming to transform both urban and coastal logistics systems through innovative transport solutions.

The project is structured around four ambitious pillars:

Automation and navigation (P1): Developing a selectable level of automation with advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems, tailored for efficient inland waterway transport (IWT) operations. This includes the creation of a next generation remote control centre.

Zero-emission energy solutions (P2): Implementing hybrid electric and fuel cell technologies to evaluate and optimise energy management for zero emission operations.

Vessel design and innovation (P3): Innovating vessel designs to increase flexibility in cargo capacity and adaptability in different water conditions, supported by comprehensive simulations.

Operational optimisation tools (P4): Developing a Digital Twinning Platform for design and operational efficiency, integrating innovative components for robust logistics solutions.

Demonstration and validation

Two physical Living Labs in Ghent and Caen will demonstrate the practical implementation of SFAZ vessels, focusing on their integration into automated smart terminals within optimised logistics networks. A virtual Living Lab in Galati will extend these demonstrations to showcase the scalability and applicability of the solutions.

Outcomes and impact

FOREMAST aims to contribute to a modal shift from road to IWT, thereby reducing congestion and lower emissions. The success of the project will be measured by its ability to implement cutting-edge technologies in real-world scenarios, ensuring sustainable and efficient transport solutions.

Why ALICE is part of the FOREMAST project and what is its role?

ALICE is leading tasks related to the adoption of SFAZ vessels (T4.2) and the regulatory framework for automation and zero-emission technologies (T4.3). This involves:

• Facilitating the integration of SFAZ vessels into IWT operations.
• Developing guidance and business models for stakeholders.
• Collaborating with regulators to create a conducive regulatory environment for the deployment of these innovative vessels.

Additional information

Website: https://foremast.eu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foremast-project/
X account (Twitter): https://x.com/Foremast_eu
Download FOREMAST flyer
Project Manager at ALICE:  Yuliya Sahitava

Consortium members

The project consortium is led by INLECOM GROUP, involving 16 partners from 10 European countries.
ALICE members in the consortium: INLECOM, PNO, CIRCOE, VLTN

Related LinkedIn posts:

• • FOREMAST General Assembly 2025: Advancing Small Flexible Automated Zero-Emissions Vessels

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101138261. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.