The Knowledge Centre Manoeuvring in Shallow Water organized a sounding board meeting at the Maritime Research Centre in Ostend on 23 September. Stakeholders from various maritime and inland navigation sectors were invited to reflect on autonomous navigation and the impact on ships on the one hand and on infrastructure and operations in ports and waterways on the other hand. The evolution towards clean power was also discussed with companies explaining how they are working towards climate objectives. Working together is becoming more important to realise the challenges for energy transition and energy efficiency. The installations of Flanders Hydraulics, such as the Towing Tanks, and the Coastal and Ocean Basin being developed together with universities (UGent, KULeuven) can strengthen research within the sector in this regard. The free running system of the Towing Tank for Manoeuvres in Shallow Water was then inaugurated by Secretary-General Filip Boelaert.
