Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services
Project Background
Ports and waterways are considered critical infrastructure. As automation increases and autonomous vessel systems are integrated, the demands on traffic monitoring are constantly rising.
In the predecessor project LEAS (“Shore-Based Decision Recommendations for Traffic Situations Involving Highly Automated or Autonomous Vessels”), which was successfully completed in 2025, the concept of a decision support system for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) centers was developed.
With LEAS-PRO, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) is now funding the continuation of this work: The goal is to implement a practical VTS demonstrator. The project began in August 2026 at Fraunhofer CML in Hamburg and will run through July 2028 under the coordination of Fraunhofer FKIE.
Project Concept
LEAS-PRO takes a modular and holistic approach to decision support in vessel traffic. In addition to the existing LEAS functionalities, the planned demonstrator will include the following elements:
- Traffic Forecasting
- Port Inbound and Outbound Traffic Control
- AI-powered situational awareness module with standardized, designed, and specified data interfaces
- Innovative Human-Machine Interface (HMI): a consistent, ergonomic, and intuitively designed display and situational awareness interface for VTS personnel
Heterogeneous data and analysis results are visualized in such a way that they integrate seamlessly into existing applications and can be used intuitively. Evaluation takes place through both simulation and long-term testing. A key focus is also on the IT security of the entire system to ensure a trouble-free, reliable situational awareness.
Benefits for the Economy and Industry
- Greater safety in maritime traffic through improved decision support for VTS personnel
- Protection of critical maritime infrastructure through reliable, IT-secure situational awareness
- Practical evaluation directly in traffic control centers—research with immediate practical relevance
- Future-proof human-AI collaboration: Decisions remain with humans, while AI provides support through intelligent, secure, and responsible analysis
- Preparation for increasing automation in maritime traffic, including autonomous ship systems
Project Partners, Tasks, and Funding Framework
| Partners | Role / Task |
|---|---|
| Fraunhofer FKIE | Consortium coordination; development of the human-machine interface |
| Fraunhofer CML | Research partner (port and transportation expertise) |
| DLR – Institute of Communication and Navigation | Research partner |
| DLR – Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructure | Research partner, focus on IT/infrastructure security |
| Wismar University of Applied Sciences | Research partner |
| Bergmann Marine | Industry partner, contributing to the demonstrator’s operational readiness |
| JDS GmbH | Industry partner, contributing to the demonstrator’s operational readiness |
| in – innovative navigation GmbH | Industry partner, contributing to the demonstrator’s operational readiness |
| Fintraffic | End user and VTS service provider in the Baltic Sea region; Practical expertise |
Associated partners: Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), Directorate General for Waterways and Shipping (GDWS), Baltic Sea Waterways and Shipping Office, IBM Germany.
Project duration: September 2026 – July 2028 | Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR)
FAQ
What does LEAS-PRO stand for? LEAS-PRO builds on the predecessor project LEAS (“Land-based Decision Recommendations for Traffic Situations Involving Highly Automated or Autonomous Ships”) and translates its concepts into a practical demonstrator.
What is the goal of LEAS-PRO? The goal is to develop an AI-based, ergonomic decision-support system for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) that makes monitoring vessel traffic easier and safer.
What is a VTS demonstrator? A VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) demonstrator is a system tested under real-world conditions that supports VTS centers in monitoring and controlling vessel traffic—in LEAS-PRO, this is supplemented by AI-supported situational awareness and a new operating concept.
What role does artificial intelligence play in the project? AI is used in the situational awareness module to forecast traffic trends and analyze data. However, the final decision remains with VTS personnel—LEAS-PRO fosters safe and responsible collaboration between humans and AI.
Where is the demonstrator being tested? Evaluation takes place through both simulation tests and long-term tests, with real-world testing in traffic control centers.
How important is IT security in the project? A seamless, reliable situational awareness is essential for the safe operation of the VTS and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. The IT security of the entire system is therefore specifically developed and tested as part of the project.
Last updated: October 2026