Innovation, digitalization and advanced technologies continue to play a central role in the Grimaldi Group’s strategy to make maritime transport safer as well as more efficient and sustainable.
This commitment has recently been reinforced through the launch of two important initiatives: the 5GMASS2 project and GLIMS – Grimaldi Lab for Innovation in Maritime and Space.
Officially launched on 14 May, 5GMASS2 builds on the results of the initial 5GMASS project and aims to further develop technologies supporting assisted mooring operations through an upgraded hybrid 5G network serving the ports of Livorno and Savona. The new initiative will run for 21 months and includes the implementation of new functionalities on board the Grimaldi Group vessel Eco Savona, which will once again serve as the test platform for the new developments – notably, enhanced Surrounding View capabilities, the installation of new sensors and the replacement of the existing Data Aggregator with a new-generation platform capable of collecting, processing and storing operational information more efficiently.
Grimaldi is playing a key role in the project, contributing to the definition of the updated system architecture, operational requirements and multi-port use scenarios. The Group is also responsible for supporting the integration of onboard technologies, including cameras, sensors, smart glasses, processing units and upgraded network infrastructure designed to enable enhanced connectivity and real-time data exchange. Grimaldi is also actively supporting trial activities in both port and navigation environments, contributing to data collection and performance assessments aimed at optimizing the overall system configuration.
Meanwhile, the Group has recently launched GLIMS – Grimaldi Lab for Innovation in Maritime and Space, a flagship project assigned by the European Space Agency (ESA) under NAVISP Element 3. Started in April 2026 and running for 12 months, the initiative has been developed by a consortium led by Grimaldi in cooperation with specialized research and industrial partners.
GLIMS is conceived as a strategic platform to support the development, testing and validation of innovative solutions for the maritime sector, with particular focus on satellite navigation, digitalization, assisted and autonomous operations, energy efficiency, sustainability and advanced simulation tools. The project will contribute to strengthening the link between the maritime and space ecosystems, promoting the transfer of space-enabled technologies into real operational maritime applications.
The laboratory will support the design and assessment of new concepts and services, including GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) / PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing)-based applications, satellite communication, Earth Observation, digital twins, augmented and virtual reality, simulation environments, artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. These technologies will be used to address current and future challenges for the maritime sector, such as safer navigation, more efficient port operations, reduction of emissions, optimization of vessel performance and support for autonomous functions.
The first phase of the project is dedicated to the definition of the laboratory concept, the mapping of maritime needs and space-enabled opportunities, the identification of the most suitable technological modules, and the development of a sustainable business model and financial assessment for the future implementation of the lab.
GLIMS will also contribute to the creation of a national and European reference hub for innovation, training, technology transfer and demonstration activities in the maritime domain, supporting cooperation among shipowners, research centres, technology providers, institutions and start-ups.
While different in scope and objectives, 5GMASS2 and GLIMS reflect a common vision: accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies in the maritime sector through experimentation, digitalization and collaboration between industry, research institutions and technology providers. Together, these initiatives further strengthen Grimaldi’s position as a proactive contributor to the transformation of maritime transport and the development of next-generation operational solutions.
(Grimaldi)
