Autonomous berthing for safer ports

Satellite navigation, or more generally Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) data, has for years influenced and transformed developments in the maritime transport sector to increase efficiency and safety. To further support and accelerate this transformation, ESA’s NAVISP has begun a partnership with Italy’s Grimaldi Group – one of the largest shipping company groups in the world with a fleet of about 130 ships.

With a coastline of 8 700 kilometres and its strategic location in the Mediterranean Basin, Italy holds an important position within the European blue economy. Italy’s own blue economy, with maritime transport as the most important segment, generated over $145 billion in 2021, equivalent to 10% of the country’s GDP, with more than 225 000 companies employing over 900 000 workers. Accordingly, the efficiency of its ports has a direct impact on the wider economy.