Immersive Experience with Industry: Secondment at Periskal

My first secondment took place in the height of summer when I arrived at Periskal, a company located in the small city of Wuustwezel in the northern part of Antwerp Province, Belgium.

During this secondment, I experienced entirely different lifestyles. On one hand, there was the natural scenery of the countryside in the small town; on the other hand, the urban charm of a fashion capital. I alternated between a steady, routine work schedule and the hectic pace of traveling to attend exhibitions. This secondment was greatly rewarding for me—not only did I significantly expand my academic and research network, but I also gained valuable experiences in life and culture.

Because my research focuses on transitioning from static to dynamic Inland Electronic Charts, working at Periskal provided me with a valuable opportunity. As Europe’s leading player in the field of River Information Services and navigation software—specializing in providing river information services and navigation software for inland shipping, fishing vessels, coastal ships, and yachts—Periskal has a series of unique digital river charts and related software applications. These products and practical experiences offered me knowledge that I could not acquire in my academic career.

During my secondment, ESR5 AmirReza Haqshenas Mojaveri and his supervisor, Marc Persoon patiently guided and assisted me both academically and practically. Additionally, employees from various departments at Periskal gave me substantial support.

I engaged in detailed discussions with experts and team members about the development of various standards including IENC, S-57, S-101, and S-401. I gained insights into the current updates and future directions of the IENC to ensure compliance and optimization in navigation systems.

Figure 1 Periskal Office

Furthermore, I explored the integration and application of AIS within ECDIS systems, focusing on how this technology enhances maritime safety and navigation efficiency by providing real-time vessel tracking and information management. These practical experiences not only enriched my professional knowledge but also injected new vitality into my research.

Moreover, outside the office, Periskal’s participation as an exhibitor at the 2024 Maritime Expo provided me with the opportunity to learn about other companies’ research developments. I was able to analyze and discuss key trends, technologies, and innovations observed at the maritime industry exhibition. By interacting with leading companies such as Captain AI, MARIN, Argonics, DAMEN, and Seafar, I gained insights into their latest contributions to maritime technology. Through sharing and communication, I built networks and connections that enhancing my social skills.

Figure 2 Maritime Expo 2024

The secondment not only allowed me to engage in intellectual exchanges with different professionals in research but also offered the enchanting opportunity to experience the cultures and landscapes of various regions. Antwerp, as one of Belgium’s most important economic and cultural centers, is renowned for its high-capacity seaport and is globally recognized as a major hub of fashion design. Here, I visited many museums and appreciated numerous artworks, such as those in the Antwerp Museum of Contemporary Art and the Plantin-Moretus Museum. Notably, I also visited the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), where one can not only admire precious exhibits and students can sit and study while gazing out over the city, directly overlooking this beautiful city surrounded by rich waterways.

Figure 3 Studying in MAS

Figure 4 Antwerp Fashion Design

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to undertake my secondment at Periskal. This experience allowed me to expand my research network and provided invaluable hands-on knowledge in river information services and navigation software. I engaged in detailed discussions on industry standards, gained insights into cutting-edge maritime technology, and connected with leading companies at the 2024 Maritime Expo. Beyond professional growth, I also embraced the rich culture and beauty of Antwerp, making this secondment both academically rewarding and personally enriching.

An article by Zhongbi Luo.