sources : https://smart-ship.eu/dashboard/

In the modern maritime industry, bridge officers are often overwhelmed by a barrage of screens, alarms, and data points. As vessels become more complex, the physical connection between the captain and the ship is slowly disappearing, replaced by rigid levers and digital displays.

Smart-Ship, a maritime tech innovator born out of the Delft University of Technology, is restoring that connection. By developing haptic (force-feedback) control systems, the company is enabling operators to “feel” their ship’s behavior through their fingertips, turning navigation from a purely visual task into an intuitive, sensory experience

Background: Communication Through Sensation

Smart-Ship was established to solve a critical communication gap: traditional controls only send information to the ship, they don’t bring information back to the operator. This lack of feedback can lead to delayed reactions during rough sea states or inefficient engine use.

The company’s technology transforms ship throttles into intelligent systems that provide real-time physical feedback. Through resistance and vibrations, a captain can feel wave impacts or propulsion limits directly through the lever. This reduces the cognitive load on the crew, allowing them to keep their eyes on the horizon rather than being glued to a dashboard.

Founders’ Story: From Academic Research to Family Initiative

The company was founded in 2018 by Roy Kok, Brent Kok, and Jelle Tiemensma. The journey began as a family-driven project when Roy Kok developed the core haptic technology during his engineering studies at TU Delft.

Recognizing the commercial potential of “feeling” the sea, Roy teamed up with his brother Brent, who brought a background in finance and business development, and Jelle Tiemensma, who joined as CTO to lead the technical evolution of the product. Together, they transitioned the concept from the YES!Delft accelerator program into a commercial solution aimed at making global shipping safer and more sustainable.

The Intelligence: Haptic Levers and the Smart HUB

Smart-Ship’s ecosystem is a blend of specialized hardware and data-driven software:

• Haptic Control Levers: These levers function like traditional throttles but use force-feedback to communicate vessel behavior. If the engine is being overloaded or if a ship is hitting waves too hard, the lever provides physical resistance, guiding the operator toward a more efficient and safer setting.
• The Smart HUB: This centralized digital platform processes data from onboard sensors. It provides real-time insights into fuel consumption and emissions while enabling predictive maintenance.
• Shared Control: The system creates an environment where human intuition is enhanced by data. It is compatible with everything from conventional engines to the latest electric and hybrid propulsion systems, ensuring it supports the industry’s shift toward green energy.

Capital & Partners: Deeply Rooted in the Dutch Ecosystem

Smart-Ship is a standout member of the InnovationQuarter portfolio. As a regional development agency for Zuid-Holland, InnovationQuarter has provided the strategic support necessary to validate this deep-tech innovation within the maritime sector.

The company’s growth is supported by a network of Dutch innovation-focused investors:

• InnovationQuarter & UNIIQ: These organizations provided the essential early-stage backing to move the technology from a proof-of-concept into a market-ready product.
• Rabobank: A key financial partner supporting the company’s entrepreneurial growth.
• YES!Delft: The tech incubator provided the mentorship and validation required to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.

Final Thought: Restoring the Captain’s Intuition

Smart-Ship represents a fundamental shift in maritime ergonomics. By reintroducing the sense of touch to the bridge, Roy Kok and his team are making ships easier and safer to operate.

With the support of InnovationQuarter, Smart-Ship is proving that the future of maritime technology isn’t just about more automation, it’s about better communication between humans and machines. In an era of increasingly complex vessels, Smart-Ship is giving captains the one thing they’ve been missing: the ability to truly feel the pulse of their ship.