5GMASS Project demonstration fase showcases Maritime Innovation at Livorno Port: Ship-to-Shore Connectivity

On Tuesday, July 30th, the port city of Livorno, Italy, played host the demonstration of the 5GMASS project, marking a significant milestone in maritime technology and automation. The event, attended by city authorities, representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), with the ESA Integrated Application Manager Roberta Mugellesi Dow, and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), directly represented Dr. Luca Salamone, Director General of ASI, as well as officials from the General Command of the Port Authorities – Coast Guard (CGCP) and the Port Authority of Livorno, showcased the project’s latest advancements in logistics automation and ship-to-port connectivity.

5GMASS project: a brief overview

The 5GMASS project, which kicked off in March 2022, is a collaborative initiative co-funded by ASI in the ESA Business Application programme. It brings together a consortium of industry leaders and research organizations, including TIM, CNIT, FlySight, CETENA, and Grimaldi. The project aims to leverage advanced digital connectivity to revolutionize communication with vessels, particularly focusing on modern Ro-Ro ships within Grimaldi’s ECO fleet. Livorno’s port was selected as the ideal testbed for the 5GMASS project due to its strategic location and infrastructure. The project’s primary objectives include improving situational awareness for maritime operators both on-board and on-shore, enhancing port efficiency, reducing emissions, and increasing safety standards through autonomous navigation capabilities.

FlySight’s contribution focuses on sensors, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. OPENSIGHT system enhances ship localization capabilities, fuses real-time georeferenced point cloud and video data, and provides an AR pilot assistance system for assisted berthing.

5GMASS Demonstration Day

The day’s events began with a welcome onboard the M/N Eco Savona, courtesy of Grimaldi and CNIT. Following lunch on the ship, attendees were introduced to the technical session, which took place at the Dogana d’Acqua. Livorno’s Mayor, Luca Salvetti, expressed his satisfaction with the city’s selection for this event and praised the vibrant, idea-filled technological center housed in the Dogana d’Acqua. Salvetti was Joined by Michele Magnani, councilor with delegated responsibilities including innovation, university, the Livorno campus, and digital transition.

Admiral Nicola Carlone, Commandant of the Coast Guard Port Authorities, emphasized the importance of digitalization in supporting and integrating with human resources engaged in maritime activities.

Paolo Pagano, Diretor of CNIT Laboratory at the Port of Livorno, moderated the presentations, which covered various aspects of the project:

– Mariaprincipia Pernice from TIM Enterprise detailed the progress of the 5G network implementation in the port of Livorno, set to be completed in September with the installation of the final two sites.

– Martina Troscia from CNIT introduced the Remote Operation Center (ROC) located within the Dogana D’acqua. She showcased maritime service dashboards designed to track ships and provide optimal situational awareness for ground operators supporting captains and pilots during port entry and docking maneuvers.

– Roberto Russo from CETENA demonstrated the integration of CNIT infrastructures with a simulator developed in collaboration with Livorno port pilots, creating a virtual environment for practice and training in various navigation conditions.

– Our Mattia Carpin, FlySight’s head of engineering, explained our contribution in interfacing with 12 cameras (4 at the port and 8 on the ship) and processing data using AI. FlySight applies data fusion for georeferencing and measuring obstacle distances during port entry and docking, visualizing all information through an augmented reality interface via a virtual reality headset.

Dr. Pagano concluded by highlighting the project’s vision towards certification processes to adhere to shared conventions within the European community, including the development of a MASS Code containing technical and operational provisions for autonomous ships.

The day ended with a visit to the ROC room, where attendees could navigate through various monitors displaying real-time situational awareness systems. The demonstration also included a virtual reality headset designed to assist ship captains and pilots in managing docking procedures more autonomously and efficiently.

The 5GMASS project represents a significant step forward in maritime technology, promising to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in port operations. As the project continues to develop, it paves the way for a future where autonomous and semi-autonomous ships become a reality in European waters and beyond.

For the occasion, FlySight President Emilio Simeone was also present together with the team directly working on the project activities led by our Application Specialist Giacomo Fontanelli.

Previous FlySight articles related to the 5GMASS project:

• 5GMASS Project and NEXT GENERATION SHIPPING Program: Advancing Maritime Connectivity and Safety
• 5GMASS | Improving maritime operators’ situational awareness
• The System of Innovation and Research for the Development of the Maritime Economy

Check out the photo gallery form 5GMASS project Demonstration Day⤵️