“An investment in safety that pays off”
Inland navigation is becoming increasingly busy, and the margins for error are shrinking. Modern vessels navigate through infrastructure that has hardly adapted to their growing size. For Captain Thierry van Steen of Vans Trans GMBH, that was reason enough to invest in technology. With Bridgescout on board, he experiences daily how smart automation contributes to safe and efficient navigation.
Captain Thierry is a man of inland shipping. Born in 1964 and raised on his parents' ship, he knows life on the water like no other. After a brief interruption for his military service, he returned to shipping. He now sails his own tanker, a Sunrise type, specially designed for the narrow and low bridges of the German canals. A challenging environment in which precision and technology play an increasingly important role.
Bridgescout: a valuable addition
When Thierry received a letter from the German government about subsidies for security and automation, Bridgescout immediately caught his attention. “The price was favorable, the installation was simple, and the operation was intuitive,” he says. “Now, almost three years later, I can say that it is an indispensable addition on board.”
Bridgescout offers a clear visual signal and displays essential information such as speed, time to the bridge, and the bridge name. “Especially at night, on dark stretches, that's a big advantage. You have immediate insight into the situation without having to guess.‘
Increasing crowds, increasing risks
Inland shipping is becoming more intensive. “The ships are getting bigger, but the infrastructure isn't keeping up,” Thierry notes. “This increases the risks. Therefore, I recommend Bridgescout to every skipper, especially given the growing number of collisions.”
However, not everyone is convinced right away. “Some colleagues rely entirely on their own observation. But what if you're just distracted for a moment? A notification on your phone, a conversation on board... Bridgescout stays alert. With a visual signal, a red warning screen, and an audible alert, a dangerous situation can be prevented in time.”
Dockscout: A step forward
Besides Bridgescout, Thierry is also testing DockScout. “I'm interested in new technologies and see the potential. Dockscout offers a real-time view of available docking space, which can be a great advantage, especially in canals.”
Although the system is still under further development, Thierry is positive. “There are still some areas for improvement, such as the detection of ships in opposite directions, but it is a promising technology that can make inland shipping more efficient and safer.”
The importance of investing in security
Thierry also emphasizes the importance of government initiatives. “A ship costs millions. It makes logical sense to invest in technology that increases safety. In fact, this should be standard equipment on new ships.” For Thierry, one thing is certain: “Bridgescout is like an extra pair of eyes on board. It helps you navigate more safely and accurately, regardless of the conditions. And that's an investment that always pays for itself.”