Safe navigation of autonomous vessels: PhD research on uncertainty in inland waterways

Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Location: Senate Hall, at the Aula of the TU Delft, Mekelweg 5
Program:
Official defense: 10:00-11:00
Reception: 11:30–12:30

At a time when autonomous and smart shipping is moving from pilot projects to real-world operations, one question continues to dominate the conversation: how can autonomous vessels remain safe and reliable in unpredictable conditions? This is exactly the challenge explored by PhD candidate Abhishek Dhyani in his doctoral research at Delft University of Technology. After four years of research, Dhyani will soon defend his thesis, Safe Navigation of Autonomous Vessels in Inland Waterways under Uncertain and Abnormal Conditions.

Originally trained as an electrical engineer in northern India, Abhishek came to the Netherlands in 2022 to pursue his ambition of becoming a researcher. He joined the AUTOBarge consortium, an international collaboration between universities and companies focused on advancing autonomous inland shipping. Although new to the maritime sector at the start of his PhD, Abhishek quickly immersed himself in the challenges of inland waterway navigation and autonomous vessel control. He conducted his research at the Researchlab Autonomous Shipping in the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology, working with Prof. Rudy Negenborn and Dr. Vasso Reppa.

Two critical issues

His research focuses on two critical issues that anyone working in smart shipping will immediately recognize. The first is uncertainty in the operating environment. Inland waterways are dynamic and unpredictable: river currents change daily, shallow waters affect vessel behaviour and wind can unexpectedly push a vessel off course. Autonomous ships must not only detect these influences, but also respond safely and reliably in real time. The second challenge is abnormal operating conditions. What happens when a sensor fails, communication is interrupted, or a vessel starts behaving differently than expected? In conventional shipping, human crews can often improvise and adapt. For autonomous vessels, these situations must be anticipated and addressed within the control system itself.

More robust

Abhishek’s research explores how autonomous systems can become more robust in the face of these uncertainties. More specifically, his thesis presents an integrated framework designed to improve the safety and reliability of autonomous inland vessels. The framework combines four key elements: (a) a robust method for modelling and predicting vessel manoeuvring behaviour, (b) an advanced control system based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) that helps vessels navigate safely within the physical limitations of inland waterways, (c) a Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) system that continuously checks sensor data for inconsistencies or failures, and (d) a risk mitigation approach that can provide alternative control actions when complex failures or unexpected situations occur. One example is the influence of shallow water on vessel maneuverability. By incorporating physical models of water depth and hydrodynamic interactions into the vessel’s control system, autonomous ships can better predict and compensate for changes in behaviour. Another example is the real-time risk assessment. Using onboard sensors and predictive modelling, the system continuously evaluates navigation risks, including the possibility of drifting or grounding.

For the smart shipping sector, this work is highly relevant. The future of autonomous inland navigation not only depends on systems and technology, but even more on trust, safety, and resilience. As autonomous vessels begin operating on busier waterways and in more complex environments, robust safety systems will become essential for regulators, operators, and the wider public.

The public defence of Abhishek Dhyani’s PhD thesis will take place at Delft University of Technology. Please feel invited to attend.

The thesis can be accessed at: https://research.tudelft.nl/en/publications/safe-navigation-of-autonomous-vessels-in-inland-waterways-under-u/