The Dutch inland waterways just witnessed a moment that could rewrite the future of maritime autonomy. On 24 October 2025, Scylla’s brand-new passenger vessel MS Lumière completed the first-ever fully autonomous Dock2Dock voyage—a seamless, real-world journey from undocking in Hardinxveld-Giessendam to docking in Gorinchem. The tech behind it? A powerhouse trio: Retina’s M-Pilot manoeuvring system, Shipping Technology’s ST BRAIN, and Autonomous Lane Assist (ST Sailing). Even a gale-force crosswind (Beaufort 8) couldn’t throw this ship off course.
This isn’t just another lab demo. It’s proof that autonomy isn’t a distant dream—it’s here, and it’s ready for prime time. The captain remained in full control, but the tech handled the heavy lifting: undocking, sailing, and docking, all while optimising fuel use and reducing emissions. David Woudenberg, Head of Product Development at Shipping Technology, puts it bluntly: “It’s not about removing the captain; it’s about giving crews smarter tools for safer and more efficient navigation.”
The magic happened in the collaboration. Retina’s M-Pilot took charge of the thrusters and engines, while Shipping Technology’s ST BRAIN and Autonomous Lane Assist (ALA) plotted the course. Together, they turned the MS Lumière into a precision-guided vessel, adjusting rudder and pod movements with millisecond accuracy. Tom Panjer, Founder of Retina BV, emphasises the human factor: “Reliable data is essential, but people must stay in control.” That’s the key here—autonomy as an assistant, not a replacement.
This isn’t just about tech; it’s about rethinking how ships operate. The M-Pilot and ST BRAIN combo means captains can focus on navigation while the system handles the grunt work. For less experienced crews, it’s a safety net. For seasoned sailors, it’s a force multiplier. And for the environment, it’s a step toward ‘just-in-time sailing,’ cutting fuel burn and emissions.
The MS Lumière, fresh off its maiden voyage just two weeks earlier, became the perfect testbed for this tech. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible when modern vessels integrate autonomy from day one. The event wasn’t just a showcase—it was a conversation starter. Guests, partners, and media gathered onboard to discuss the future of smart navigation, proving that autonomy isn’t just about the tech; it’s about the people who use it.
Tom Panjer hits the nail on the head: “In the market, there’s a lot of talk about autonomous sailing, but very little real demonstration.” This showcase changes that. It’s not about remote-controlled ships—it’s about practical autonomy, where captains stay in charge but let the tech handle the heavy lifting.
Shipping Technology and Retina aren’t just building tools; they’re building a new way of operating. Shipping Technology focuses on the ‘where’ and ‘how’ of navigation, while Retina ensures the ‘how’ is done safely and efficiently. Together, they’re proving that autonomy isn’t a distant fantasy—it’s a present-day reality. And that’s a game-changer for the entire maritime industry.