AVATAR is already active in the waterways of Ghent, transporting construction materials and equipment between urban hubs without relying on road transport. The vessel operates emission-free and is designed for continuous logistics cycles: loading, sailing, unloading and recharging.

Beyond transport, the same platform functions as a mobile energy unit, capable of delivering battery-based power and temporary shore supply directly on-site. This dual-use approach enables higher utilization and creates new operational value for ports, cities and contractors.

The collaboration combines RIC’s expertise in testing, validation and data infrastructure with P&E Lowlands’ role as system integrator, responsible for:

• electric propulsion and DC system architecture
• onboard energy management and automation (PLC-based)
• full system integration and commissioning

AVATAR integrates sensor fusion (RTK-GPS, LiDAR, radar and cameras) with secure remote connectivity, enabling autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance and automated docking. Remote operation remains available as a safety layer, while the system is designed for increasing levels of autonomy in daily operations.

What sets this project apart is its focus on real-world performance. The vessel is not positioned as a prototype, but as a continuously operating asset. Operational data, including energy usage, system reliability and mission profiles, is actively collected and translated into deployable configurations for future vessels.

The technology is directly applicable to a range of use cases, including inland logistics, port service vessels, autonomous ferry concepts and mobile energy supply on water.

With this launch at AMT26, P&E Lowlands and RIC invite shipyards, operators and technical partners to engage in upcoming projects and early deployments, bringing autonomous and electric vessel technology into practical, scalable use.