Objectives of the service
Darwin’s service aims to address critical challenges faced by maritime ports and airports, including inefficiencies in transportation, high operational costs, and environmental concerns. By implementing Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) for passenger and cargo transport, the project will enhance ports efficiency through automation, streamlined logistics, and reduced emissions.
The solution combines Darwin’s expertise in operating CAVs, leveraging terrestrial and satellite communication for precise navigation and real-time data collection. This integration will optimize operations, minimize human error, and support sustainability goals by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Beyond implementation, the project will create a scalable framework for deploying CAVs in other ports globally. This includes addressing critical aspects such as motor and cyber insurance and advancing the operation of Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous vehicles.
All operational data will be centralized on the Darwin platform, enabling stakeholders to monitor efficiency and sustainability goals in real time. By combining cutting-edge technology with actionable insights, this project sets a new standard for autonomous port operations, paving the way for future adoption in ports across Europe and globally.
Specifically, within the project Darwin are delivering 4 workstreams (WS) of activity:
1. WS1 – Autonomous Software
This is fully autonomous self-driving software which will support remote security within the port location. The aim is to present the findings of this workstream in September 2026.
2. WS2 – Cyber Security
To support CAV operations Darwin are developing a framework of requirements to enhance the current insurance market cyber products. This will ensure that the CAV Operator and vehicles are insured from any cyber-attacks. This workstream supported creation of the first CAV Insurance model, presented in December 2025.
3. WS3 – CAV Operations
This is the primary usecase where the CAVs will be deployed for commercial use. Darwin will set up and run a proof of concept (POC) within an operating port. This workstream presentation is aimed for July 2026.
4. WS4 – CAV Data Insurance
As part of Darwin’s CAV operations Aviva have insured the vehicles. This workstream looked at the implication of the “connected data” from the CAV on the insurance premium pricing model. This facilitate both prospective CAV Operators and the insurance market. This CAV bundle insurance model was presented in the milestone review in December 2025. The CAV insurance model is now fuylly operational and will be available for commercial use form 2026.
Users and their needs
The primary users of Darwin’s Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) services are port harbour authorities and port terminal operators and airport operations. These users manage complex maritime port and airport operations and face challenges that Darwin’s solution addresses directly.
User needs:
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlining the movement of cargo and passengers within the maritime port and airport to reduce delays and optimize workflows.
- Enhanced Automation: Minimizing reliance on manual processes to reduce human error and labour costs.
- Real-Time Data Insights: Accessing reliable, up-to-date information for better decision-making and operational tracking.
- Sustainability Goals: Meeting environmental targets by reducing carbon emissions and adopting greener transportation solutions.
- Scalable Frameworks: Implementing solutions that can adapt to their unique operational and regulatory environments.
Challenges:
- Integration with Existing Systems: Aligning autonomous solutions with current maritime port and airport infrastructure and processes.
- Safety and Security: Ensuring safe operation of CAVs within busy and dynamic port environments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Addressing country-specific legal and operational requirements for autonomous vehicle use.
By addressing these needs, Darwin’s project will enable ports to transform their operations, setting benchmarks for efficiency, automation, and sustainability.
Service/ system concept
Darwin’s Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) system for ports will provide users—port harbour authorities and terminal operators—with real-time data, advanced automation, and operational insights to optimize efficiency.
Features and Capabilities:
- Passenger and Cargo CAVs: The rollout will begin with passenger transport, followed by autonomous cargo solutions, to streamline operations.
- Real-Time Data Collection: Leveraging terrestrial and satellite communication, the system collects and analyses data in real time, enabling informed decision-making.
- 24/7 Operation Potential: By advancing to Level 4 autonomy, ports can eventually operate CAVs continuously without on-board safety drivers, reducing downtime.
- Dashboard Access: Users will have access to a centralized platform displaying operational insights, including efficiency metrics, vehicle status, and environmental impact tracking.
How the System Works:
The CAVs navigate using a combination of sensors, cameras, and satellite positioning. Data collected by the vehicles is transmitted via terrestrial and satellite channels to Darwin’s platform, where it is analysed and visualized for users. The platform enables remote monitoring and optimization of vehicle operations.
The POC feasibility study was done in the UK port at Liverpool, following by EU trial in the port of Valencia. The trial is aimed to assess the capabilities of CAVs to improve port efficiency, laying the groundwork for scaling to other locations.
- Passenger and Cargo CAVs
- Autonomous vehicles handle the transportation of passengers and cargo within the port.
- They are equipped with sensors and cameras to detect obstacles, navigate safely, and collect data during operation.
- Sensors & Cameras
- These onboard devices gather critical data, such as vehicle position, surroundings, and performance metrics.
- This data is essential for ensuring safety and optimizing vehicle operations.
- Satellite & Terrestrial Communication
- All collected data is transmitted in real-time using satellite and terrestrial networks.
- These communication channels ensure seamless data flow, even in complex environments.
- Darwin Platform
- A centralized digital platform processes and visualizes the data.
- Port operators can monitor CAV performance, efficiency metrics, and environmental impact through an intuitive dashboard.
- Port Authorities/Operators
- The platform enables port operators to make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and monitor sustainability goals.
- With future advancements to Level 4 autonomy, operators can run 24/7, fully autonomous services.
Space Added Value
Darwin leverages satellite communication navigation, and Earth observation technologies to optimize Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) operations in ports.
Space Assets Used:
- Satellite Communication: Ensures continuous, reliable real-time data transfer between CAVs and the Darwin platform, even in areas with limited terrestrial network coverage.
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): Provides precise positioning and navigation for CAVs, critical for safe and efficient autonomous operations in dynamic port environments.
- Earth Observation Satellites: Offer insights into environmental conditions (e.g., weather, terrain) to further enhance operational planning and sustainability monitoring, and used during the CAV route setup and safety case.
Added Value:
- Reliability: Satellite communication ensures uninterrupted connectivity in ports, where traditional networks may face interference due to physical infrastructure or congestion.
- Precision: GNSS ensures accurate navigation, reducing errors and improving efficiency compared to systems relying solely on ground-based navigation.
- Sustainability: Earth observation data aids in tracking and optimizing environmental performance, giving Darwin’s solution a competitive edge in supporting green initiatives.
- Scalability: Space assets enable a globally consistent framework, allowing Darwin to replicate its operations in ports worldwide without reliance on disparate local systems.
By integrating space assets, Darwin surpasses competitors with a robust, scalable, and future-ready solution for autonomous port operations.
Current Status
Darwin has successfully completed the initial deployment of a passenger Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) at Harwell Science and innovation Campus, with successful trials demonstrating seamless real-time data collection via satellite and terrestrial communication channels, and a feasibility study POC at the Peel Port Liverpool across all workstreams. Port of Valencia will be the first EU port to deploy Darwin vehicles, utilizing 6G and satellite communication channels.
