Edwin van Hassel professor

Research Edwin van Hassel

Research team

Expertise

Edwin van Hassel is a professor at the University of Antwerp, where he teaches several courses. He has an engineering degree in naval architecture and he holds a PhD in applied economics. His main research interests and expertise are in inland navigation, port hinterland transport, ship design and transport modeling. He received his Ph.D. with a topic on inland navigation. More recently, the scope of his work has expanded to include maritime cost chain modeling. He is also involved in various studies ranging from transportation projects to infrastructure cost-benefit analysis, transportation modeling projects and developing games for the logistics sector.

Cost and time competitiveness of Valencia Port for EU Traffic. 16/02/2024 - 15/08/2024

Abstract

The objective of the project is to quantify (in generalized cost and time) how the port of Valencia is functioning as a shipping hub for cargo destined for Southern Europe's main economic centers. The main comparison is made with Algeciras and Barcelona. It will be analyzed how the competitive position of the port of Valencia is changed if container ships are re-routed via Cape of Good Hope.

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  • Research Project

Platform for the Implementation of the Navigation Action programme for Action (Platina4action). 01/06/2023 - 31/05/2026

Abstract

Platform for the Implementation for green and connected Inland Waterway Transport IWT) as envisaged in the Action Plan of NAIADES III. The platform will act as catalyst, bringing together expertise, stakeholders and research in the field of European Inland Waterway Transport, building on the network and expertise developed in the CSA project PLATINA 3 funded under Horizon 2020. The PLATINA4Action project aims to accelerate the implementation of green and connected inland waterway transport. Activities will focus on 1) supporting and coordinating research and innovation activities focussing on green and connected IWT to find synergies between parallel developments, 2) impact estimations of NAIADES III actions and supporting the policy discussions to achieve modal shift and zero-emission IWT and 3) the updating of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for IWT. The consortium will work closely together with European Commission DG MOVE in view of the NAIADES Implementation Expert Group and DINA Expert Group. Furthermore the consortium will involve and interact with IWT and logistic representatives and platforms, river commissions, ports and waterway managers, Member States and research institutes.

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  • Research Project

Climate Resilient and Safe Maritime Ports. 01/06/2023 - 31/05/2026

Abstract

Sea ports are key nodes in supply chains, on an international, as well as on the intra-European scale. Nearly 80% of world freight is transported by ship, and European seaports are gateways to other continents, with 74% of extra-EU goods being shipped through them. Already today European ports play a key role in supply chains and a further 50% growth of cargo handled through European ports by 2030 is predicted. Consequently, pressure on ports to function in the most efficient and reliable way is increasing further. Added to this is the need for decarbonization for ports who are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, and who are exposed to the emission from trucks, vessels, and terminal operations. Companies active in ports or along corridors face a lack of physical capacity and research points out also that assets are used inefficiently. Digitalization is considered a key approach to cope with these requirements. At the same time, climate change induced issues are increasingly impacting the functionality of ports. Rising sea levels, changes in seasonal precipitation, and wind and wave conditions will add to ports' challenges. Also, more frequent and severe extreme events such as storms, flash floods, prolonged heatwaves, and droughts are expected. Maximization of resilience towards climate change induced challenges, increasing agility by making use of digitalization, and contributing to increased decarbonization are therefore at the heart of this proposal. Innovative solutions for infrastructure, including quay walls, monitoring and maintenance, which improve ports' sustainability and resilience, as well as early warning systems for disruptions will be developed and piloted within this project. Improved sustainability of handling of end-of-life cycle of infrastructure, as well as a shift to more sustainable hinterland connections are key elements of the project. Furthermore, business and governance models will be developed jointly by the involved stakeholders to ensure economic, ecologic, and social sustainability of the solutions piloted. It is the key objective to ensure an 80% operationality of sea transport even in case of climate change induced disruptions whilst at the same time improving sustainability and safety of ports. In a first step, issues faced by ports will be prioritized using a multi-criteria tool including impact of disruptions, urgency, cost/benefit of solutions. A detailed catalog of requirements for solutions for the key issues will be developed. Industry partners ports and researchers will adapt, apply, and evaluate highly innovative tools and approaches for these issues. Solutions will be co-created, and for each port the relevant innovations will be identified and piloted according to the key challenges they are facing. KPIs to monitor the development and result of the innovations are ensuring quality control and support of management.

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  • Research Project

Climate resilient and environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure, with a focus on inland waterways (CRISTAL). 01/09/2022 - 31/08/2025

Abstract

It is the key objective of the project CRISTAL (36 months) to increase the share of freight transport on inland water transport (IWT) by a minimum of 20% and to demonstrate on its three pilot sites (Italy, Poland and France) strategies to improve reliability by 80%. CRISTAL project will assure IWT capacity at 50% even during extreme weather events. Towards that CRISTAL will co-create, test and implement integrated, cooperative and innovative solutions in its three pilot partners' areas identified in Italy, France and Poland. The project will include the aspects of technological innovation/development and digitalization; further advancement towards the Physical Internet, governance solution and business models, will be proposed while targeting sustainability and infrastructure resilience requirements.

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  • Research Project

Portable Innovation Open Network for Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Solutions (PIONEERS). 01/10/2021 - 30/09/2026

Abstract

PIONEERS brings together four ports with different characteristics, but shared commitments towards meeting the Green Deal goals and Blue Growth socio-economic aims, in order to address the challenge for European ports of reducing GHG emissions while remaining competitive. In order to achieve these ambitions, the Ports of Antwerp, Barcelona, Venlo and Constanta will implement green port innovation demonstrations across four main pillars: clean energy production and supply, sustainable port design, modal shift and flows optimization, and digital transformation. Actions include: renewable energy generation and deployment of electric, hydrogen and methanol vehicles; building and heating networks retrofit for energy efficiency and implementation of circular economy approaches in infrastructure works; together with deployment of digital platforms (utilising AI and 5G technologies) to promote modal shift of passengers and freight, ensure optimised vehicle, vessel and container movements and allocations, and facilitate vehicle automation. These demonstrations form integrated packages aligned with other linked activities of the ports and their neighbouring city communities. Forming an Open Innovation Network for exchange, the ports, technology and support partners will progress through project phases of innovation demonstration, scale-up and cotransferability. Rigorous innovation and transfer processes will address technology evaluation and business case development for exploitation, as well as creating the institutional, regulatory and financial frameworks for green ports to flourish from technical innovation pilots to widespread solutions. These processes will inform and be undertaken in parallel with masterplan development and refinement, providing a Master Plan and roadmap for energy transition at the PIONEERS ports, and handbook to guide green port planning and implementation for different typologies of ports across Europe.

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  • Research Project

Next generation traffic management for empowering CAVs integration, cross-stakeholders collaboration and proactive multi-modal network optimization (FRONTIER). 01/05/2021 - 30/04/2024

Abstract

FRONTIER aims to provide the network and integrated traffic management strategies of the future, taking into account new types and modes of transport and automated vehicles (including their logical and physical requirements), the minimization of pollution and capacity bottlenecks (including congestion and traffic jams), the reduction of accidents, and the need to reduce the cost of mobility for all users (both citizens, public authorities and businesses). On the operational level FRONTIER facilitates the transition towards resilient multimodal autonomous mobility by establishing the processes of collaboration and arbitration among stakeholders while developing the business models that will address the commercial viability of the identified solutions. FRONTIER will develop, apply and test autonomous management systems, secured by design, that will constantly evolve using data generated from real-time monitoring of the transportation system, knowledge generated by operators and decision makers, and simulation models providing system optimal solutions accounting for new mobility services and technologies. These systems will support and enact proactive decisions, realising our vision to empower a seamless transition to an autonomous and integrated transport management for future mobility services. FRONTIER will be validated in three pilot sites (Oxfordshire UK, Athens GR and Antewerp BE) focusing on three main themes: Smart Infrastructures and CAVs integration; Multimodal mobility for passengers and freight crossstakeholders collaboration; Network performance analysis for planning and policy making. To materialize this concept, FRONTIER follows an efficient multidisciplinary approach bringing together partners from 5 universities and research institutes, 7 companies, 5 transport authorities from three diverse European countries, one testbed for traffic management and one international road federation.

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  • Research Project

Novel inland waterway transport concepts for moving freight effectively (NOVIMOVE). 01/06/2020 - 31/05/2024

Abstract

Inland Waterborne Transport (IWT) advantages as low-energy and low CO2 emitting transport mode are not fully exploited today due to gaps in the logistics system. Inland container vessels pay 6-8 calls at seaport terminals with long waiting times. More time is lost by sub-optimal navigation on rivers and waiting at bridges and locks. In addition, low load factors of containers and vessels impact the logistics systems with unnecessary high numbers of containers being transported and trips being made. NOVIMOVE strategy is to "condense" the logistics system by improving container load factors and by reducing waiting times in seaports, by improved river voyage planning and execution, and by facilitating smooth passages through bridges and locks. NOVIMOVE's innovations are: (1) cargo reconstruction to raise container load factors, (2) mobile terminals feeding inland barges, (3) smart river navigation by merging satellite (Galileo) and real time river water depths data, (4) smooth passage through bridges/locks by dynamic scheduling system for better corridor management along the TEN-T Rhine-Alpine (R-A) route, (5) concepts for innovative vessels that can adapt to low water condition while maintaining a full payload, and (6) close cooperation with logistic stakeholders, ports and water authorities along the R-A route: Antwerp, Rotterdam, Duisburg, Basel. NOVIMOVE technology developments will be demonstrated by virtual simulation, scaled model tests and full-scale demonstrations. NOVIMOVE innovations will impact the quantity of freight moved by IWT along the R-A corridor by 30% with respect to 2010 baseline data. The NOVIMOVE 21-members consortium combines logistics operators, ports, system-developers and research organisations from 4 EU member states and two associate countries. The work plan contains 4 technical Work Packages. The project duration is four years; the requested funding is 8,9 MIO.

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  • Research Project

Logistical study for the deployment of platooning in wind offshore windfarms. 15/12/2022 - 15/04/2023

Abstract

In order to supply more green energy to the Netherlands, more and larger wind offshore farms are being constructed. These windfarms need maintenance. In present day logistical concepts the Service Operation Vessel (SOV) leaves the wind farm periodically in order to return to port for new supplies and for crew changes. Due to the fact that every single wind turbine will be larger because of the increasing capacity of the individual wind turbines more and large spare parts are needed. If the same maintenance strategy is applied more downtime of the wind turbines is expected. A way to solve this is to change the maintenance strategy by applying a concept in which the continuous presence of a (SOV) is required. This will minimise the demand for port visits of the SOV. The overall aim of this project will be to research the general concept of supplying SOV's at sea by smaller supply vessels.

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  • Research Project

Logistics costs modeling of maritime intercontinental logistics in Central Europe. 28/05/2021 - 31/01/2022

Abstract

Task 1 will provide a detailed explanation of the analytical work, tools and approaches to be used in the development of the analysis. Task 2 will provide a detailed explanation, description, and disaggregated explanation of assumptions and drivers behind the logistics costs model that will be built or used in support of the assignment. Task 3 will develop logistics cost modeling calculations for "representative" shipments between the Far East and Central Europe for containerized shipments, via the most important European ports serving Central Europe at present, and utilizing the major economic hubs of Central Europe as destination. Task 4 will derive policy implications, from the perspective of the Government of Greece, that are suggested by modeling findings.

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  • Research Project

Study of traffic and model shift optimisation in the EU. 01/03/2021 - 31/07/2021

Abstract

TRANS-EURASIAN MAIN RAILWAY NETWORK ENHANCEMENT a) Introduction b) General trends in Trans-Eurasian trade/traffic c) Share of freight carried by the three main transportation modes: Vessel, Railway and Aircraft d) Basic transportation costs and transit times. Vessel versus Railway versus Aircraft. Break even boundaries.

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  • Research Project

Full mission simulation to investigate effects of autonomous shipping on the future role of the Licensed Deck Officer regarding unmanned/manned vessel interaction in open and restricted waters. 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2022

Abstract

This research is relevant and timely as it will provide valuable insight of the impact that autonomous shipping will have on the mariner of the future. Drawing on our experiences as sailing Licensed Deck Officers, we desire to ensure that the human element of a ship's operator is embodied in the evolution of the autonomous shipping industry. Insights generated from this research will benefit involved stakeholders to better understand and prepare for changes in the maritime industry, including how this will affect human-machine interaction, their responsibilities, and the future of their training. Furthermore, we will gain insight in the effect of restricted waters and use of autopilot. The following qualitative methods will be used for this research: an in-depth literature review; and interviews of maritime experts, training facility instructors, and IMO employees currently tasked with STCW/COLREGs recommendations regarding autonomous shipping. An FMS simulation will also be conducted, where participants will be monitored and recorded live, controlling an 'own ship' approaching the port of Antwerp. FMS participants will be interviewed and will answer questionnaires. After developing a measurement strategy and data management plan, data such as vessel CPA/TCPA, course/speed changes, and participant reaction time and use of controls will be recorded, integrated, and processed to identify participants' thought process. New risks arising from interaction between manned/unmanned vessels within open and restricted waters will be identified, and strong recommendations to STCW training will be concluded. Results of this project will outline new tasks and responsibilities for shipboard and shoreside vessel crews of the future, and will provide insight and potential new risks regarding manned/unmanned vessel interaction. Furthermore, this research project completes one PhD and significantly contributes to a second PhD at the University of Antwerp and Antwerp Maritime Academy. A unique training course addressing the Licensed Deck Officer and autonomous shipping will be developed as one of the main deliverables, as well as the publication of three A1 publications. This research project will have significant contributions to maritime training facilities, to the development of the future OOW within the shipping industry, and to port authorities as our findings can impact the direct operation and training of operators of autonomous ships in the future.

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  • Research Project

Assessing Maritime Connectivity. Additional Ports for the Infrastructure Data Dashboard. 17/12/2020 - 30/06/2021

Abstract

The WorldBank Infrastructure Office undertakes various activities: producing background papers for infrastructure flagship reports, contributing research papers and policy notes on policy issues of strategic importance, identifying Infrastructure data priorities, and improving data curation, mapping and diagnostics. The main objective of this consultancy is to assist the office in provide shipping cost estimations for additional ports for the Infrastructure Data Dashboard. The project is expected to provide estimation of shipping costs for the following ports based on their in-house proprietary TPR Chain Cost Model.

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  • Research Project

Assessing maritime connectivity. 12/03/2020 - 30/06/2021

Abstract

a. The first part provides a trends analysis of the global ports' situation in the developing world. b. The second develops a framework that lists the main criteria to be quantified to understand the aspects of connectivity, accessibility, affordability, efficiency, and environmental impacts. c. The third part benchmarks the criteria that rely on open-source, administrative or proprietary databases by comparing performances across income groups, geographic regions, and other groupings of interest. d. The fourth part applies the methodology to the Southern Cone countries – Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

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  • Research Project

Extension of the cost calculation program for the Belgian inland navigation 03/02/2020 - 08/05/2020

Abstract

In 2017, University of Antwerp (Department TPR) delivered an inland navigation cost model to Vlaamse Waterweg. In that model, the costs are calculated based on the user inputs of an inland waterway operator. In the updated version, for a same ship and same trip, a new calculation will be made, but in that case with a ship that is manageable autonomously / from a distance.

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  • Research Project

SmartWaterway. 01/12/2019 - 30/11/2021

Abstract

By making waterway transport more cost-efficient, Smart Waterway will enable a modal shift for last mile urban logistics from the road to the small waterways in many European cities, including a city as Ghent. For small barges that could enter these waterways, however, the cost of automating a vessel is high compared to the construction cost. Hence, a cost reduction in automating small vessels will be crucial in this shift. We believe this can only be reached by drastically reducing the equipment cost on the autonomous vessel. This does, however, require significant advances in sensing and localization technology. Although a lower accuracy is sufficient for autonomous waypoint-based navigation, low-cost onboard sensors will not suffice in more complex scenarios (i.e. locks, bottlenecks such as bridges, loading and unloading bays) where accurate localization is needed to safely maneuver the vessel. To overcome this issue, these critical locations will be equipped with additional sensors (e.g., IR, cameras) and a novel ultra-wideband localization system. By combining low-cost onboard sensors with infrastructure near critical locations, Smart Waterway aims to achieve economically viable level 3 autonomy in urban waterways.

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  • Research Project

Opticharge. 01/12/2018 - 30/11/2020

Abstract

In the Opticharge project existing technological solutions for the automation of loading and unloading operations will be analysed, as well as innovative solutions that are being developed by technology providers, research institutions and universities. In a next step, these technologies will be linked to the needs of the companies participating in the project. These needs are examined by the Flemish Institute for Logistics. The project also includes the development of a tool, presented in a matrix, in order to calculate the ROI of the different technological solutions.

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  • Research Project

New technologies to be used by the Belgian customs for the implementation of an enhanced supervision of the container supply chain. 06/11/2018 - 06/11/2020

Abstract

The European Commission has agreed to provide technical support to the Belgian Customs in the form of expert consultancy services in the project aimed at exploring the use of new and advanced technologies to enhance the Belgian Customs' capacity and effectiveness. In order to accomplish this mission and to face challenges and threats arising from the current situation, especially in the Port of Antwerp, the Belgian Customs intend to substantially enhance the supervision of the container supply chain by improving their current control operations and by introducing additional highly efficient (technology) measures and means, which will significantly improve the supervision ratio of this supply chain. At the same time, cost and time impact on international supply chains through the port have to be kept to a strict minimum, so as to safeguard the competitive position of the Port of Antwerp.

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  • Research Project

Research into the economic effects of the Ballast Water Treaty 12/12/2017 - 31/10/2018

Abstract

On 8 September 2017, the Ballast Water Treaty was officially ratified by IMO. The goal of this Treaty is to protect the marine environment. This research therefore focuses on the economic (and societal) cost-benefit analysis of possible exceptions to the Treaty, in particular the possibility to of introducing a so-called 'Same Risk Area'.

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  • Research Project

Simulation of Logistics and Transport Processes (SIMULTRA). 01/10/2017 - 30/09/2019

Abstract

The project involves technical and professional training for the transport and logistics industry, which, notwithstanding its historical origins (as a military activity), has in recent years with globalisation acquired an importance in business, becoming a competitive tool developed through education and training. The aim of the project is the development of innovative tools and solutions that go hand in hand with the already existing programmes in order to achieve and enable work-based learning. The purpose of this project is to develop technology workshops and simulations that faithfully replicate the operations and procedures of the specific areas of transport (maritime, rail, road, intermodal) and logistics (warehouse and chain management) in order to shorten or eliminate the gap that separates training from the workplace, encouraging the hiring of young students by companies and reducing the "on-the-job" training times companies often have to resort to as they seek to bridge the void between theory and practice.

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  • Education Project
  • Research Project

Research in the field of 'Inland waterway transport innovation' 01/10/2017 - 30/09/2018

Abstract

Innovative initiatives are numerous in the inland navigation industry but they experience difficulties to spread quickly in the industry. The average age of the active Rhine fleet which has a relatively slow vessel replacement rate and the limited investment capability of the industry are often raised as main bottlenecks for innovation. Innovations are expected to be rational and to have positive business cases. This research examines the conditions for technological, organizational and cultural innovation in inland navigation to materialize effectively and successfully. The innovation process is researched by means of in-depth-case studies by applying methods such as Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) and Systems of Innovation Analysis (SIA).

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  • Research Project

Green shipping: Governance and innovation for a sustainable maritime supply chain. 01/09/2017 - 31/08/2020

Abstract

In order to further advance the understanding of the impact of instruments related to maritime shipping, in preparation of the further work of the trade & logistics and the port governance working groups, a research sub-topic is handled in the area of quantifying environmental policy cost impact analysis.

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  • Research Project

Novel iwt and maritime transport concepts (NOVIMAR). 01/06/2017 - 30/11/2021

Abstract

NOVIMAR aims to adjust inland/short-sea shipping such that it can make optimal use of the waterborne system of waterways, vessels and ports/terminals. To achieve this NOVIMAR introduces the waterborne version of 'platooning', the Vessel Train. This is in essence a number of unmanned Follower Ships with own sailing/manoeuvring capabilities being temporarily led by a manned Leader Ship. Vessels will be able to join and leave such trains at places adjacent to their points of origin and destination at seaside or inland. Envisaged main benefits and impacts are: reduction of crew costs result in up to 47% total cost reduction for IWT and up to 88% crew cost reduction for short sea transport, enhanced logistic flexibility, 10-15% less energy use/emissions, solutions for overcoming barriers betrween transport modes and high potential for reducing road congestion and associated costs.

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  • Research Project

Study on the emission reduction of the three main shipping segments given the international regulation as well as other market and policy factors. 12/12/2016 - 20/04/2017

Abstract

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted regulations to address the emission of air pollutants from ships and has adopted mandatory energy-efficiency measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping (EEDI). The main purpose of this study is to determine the fuel consumption and emission reductions of the three main shipping segments i.e. container, bulk and tanker shipping due to the implementation of the proposed energy efficient regulation (EEDI).

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  • Research Project

LowCarb RFC- European Rail Freight Corridors going Carbon Neutral. 01/09/2015 - 31/08/2018

Abstract

The LowCarb-RFC study aims at identifying options and pathways for deep cuts in carbon emissions from long-distance freight transport in Europe. It looks at two main freight corridors crossing Germany, and in particular the federal state of North-Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The study will look at impacts along the corridors and in particular in the logistics sector of NRW. The options considered are a massive shift to carbon-free rail services versus a full unfolding of new technologies on the road. The analyses will be supported by investigations options, drivers and barriers to institutional change, supported by an international rail freight stake-holder platform.

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  • Research Project