Inland shipping is getting busier, and the margin for error is shrinking. Modern vessels navigate an infrastructure that has barely kept pace with their increasing size. For Captain Thierry van Steen of Vans Trans GMBH, that was reason enough to invest in technology. With Bridgescout® on board, he experiences every day how smart automation contributes to safer and more efficient navigation.
Captain Thierry is a true inland shipping professional. Born in 1964 and raised on his parents’ ship, life on the water holds no secrets for him. After a brief interruption for military service, he returned to the shipping industry. Today, he captains his own tanker—a Sunrise type—specially designed for the narrow and low bridges of the German canal network. It’s a challenging environment where precision and technology play an increasingly important role.
Bridgescout®: a valuable addition
When Thierry received a letter from the German government about subsidies for safety and automation, Bridgescout® immediately caught his eye. “The price was attractive, the installation straightforward, and the operation intuitive,” he says. “Now, almost three years later, I can say it’s an essential addition on board.”
Bridgescout® provides a clear visual alert and displays key information, such as speed, time to bridge, and the bridge’s name. “Especially at night or in dark areas, that’s a huge advantage. You get instant insight without having to guess.”
Increasing traffic, increasing risks
Inland shipping is growing more intense. “Vessels are getting larger, but the infrastructure isn’t evolving with them,” Thierry notes. “That raises the risks. I recommend Bridgescout® to every captain, especially with the growing number of collisions we’re seeing.”
Not everyone is immediately convinced, though. “Some colleagues say, ‘I can see everything myself.’ But what if you get distracted for just a second? A message on your phone, a conversation on board… Bridgescout® stays alert. With a visual warning, a red screen, and even a spoken alert, it can help prevent dangerous situations in time.”
Dockscout: a step forward
In addition to Bridgescout®, Thierry is also testing DockScout. “I’m interested in new technologies and I see the potential. DockScout provides a real-time display of available docking space, which is especially helpful in narrow canals.”
Although the system is still being further developed, Thierry remains positive. “There are a few areas for improvement, like detecting vessels coming from the opposite direction, but it’s a promising technology that could make inland shipping both safer and more efficient.”
The importance of investing in safety
Thierry also stresses the importance of government support. “A ship costs millions. It makes perfect sense to invest in technology that improves safety. Honestly, this should be standard equipment on any new vessel.” One thing is clear for Thierry: “Bridgescout® is like an extra pair of eyes on board. It helps you navigate more safely and precisely—whatever the conditions. And that’s an investment that always pays off.”
Whether you sail with a tanker, container ship or passenger vessel — Bridgescout® is for anyone who doesn’t want to take unnecessary risks. Get in touch via info@sensormaritime.com or call +31 (0)73 220 0454, and let’s explore the possibilities together.