BASF - Dangerous goods on remote controlled barges

🚢 Remote-Controlled Barges & Dangerous Goods: Navigating the Future of Inland Shipping

One of the most pressing challenges facing our industry were discussed: how to safeguard the transport of dangerous goods amid growing crew shortages and increasing operational complexity.

A few key reflections:

👥 Crew shortage is becoming critical.
A large share of experienced barge masters will retire in the coming years, and the influx of new talent isn’t keeping pace. This will inevitably push vessels to operate more often in reduced-crew modes (A1/A2), creating tension in the supply chain.

Advantages of Remote Operations Centers (ROCs) for the Workforce

• Creates opportunities for people who do not want to spend two weeks or more on board

• Opens career paths for employees who are no longer medically fit for onboard duties

• Enables continued employment for pregnant women, who cannot sail on barges transporting dangerous goods

⚠️ Higher risks with faster promotion cycles.
With less time for proper training, we face increased risk of incidents—something no one in the chemical and logistics ecosystem can afford.

📉 Significant economic impact ahead.
Scarcity means higher wages, reduced supply chain reliability, and an accelerated reverse modal shift. Rail and road cannot absorb this pressure alone.

🛰️ Remote control offers new opportunities.
From optimizing crew deployment to enabling new operational modes, remote-controlled barges may help stabilize the system—but not without introducing new risks.

🛡️ Cybersecurity and new incident types must be addressed proactively.
With new technology comes new vulnerabilities, requiring updated audit schemes, fresh legislation, and lessons learned from early adopters.

The transformation of inland shipping is already underway. Ensuring safety, resilience, and regulatory readiness will be key to making it a success.