Smart Inland Waterways Transport Service and the Impact of Digitalization on Human Resources

Inland waterway transport (IWT) services play an important role on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 UN Agenda, since more eco-efficient ways of living and consuming rivers are promoted through innovative ecological solutions that are better from the environmental, technological, and social point of view. This work examines how digitalisation, when applied to services and autonomous vessels, enhances human resources in the IWT sector. Themed analyses that consider both technological and design aspects offer opportunities for discussing the set of research implications that directly and indirectly account the human factors (HFE) domain. Technological advances employed in such vehicles offer various benefits like reducing accidents, improving fuel efficiency, and increasing cargo capacity, as well as reducing the workload of crew members (onshore and offshore). Additionally, digitalisation offers several environmental benefits, including increased work-related safety, more efficient routes, and reduced emissions in river transport.