Danube Fleet Modernisation

The Danube fleet numbers c. 450 propelled units and about 1500 barges with an average age of more than 35 years. The poor waterway infrastructure and the low transport prices significantly hamper modernization of these vessels and deprive the sector for investment into new vessels. However, there is a clear need to invest into the Danube fleet in order improve cost-efficiency and environmental performance. This is even more evident under consideration of forthcoming EU air emission regulations which shall otherwise result into high adaptation costs.

 

Pro Danube International considers technical innovation as needed and possible, yet the possible technical solutions must be economically viable. For this Pro Danube International requires a transition road-map for new techniques & technologies. The Study “Danube Innovative Vessel”, which was commissioned in autumn 2012 by EC/DG REGIO certainly forms an important preparatory step. This is why Pro Danube International became directly involved into this study as a sub-contractor. Above this, Pro Danube International facilitates two core activities which shall trigger the modernization of the Danube fleet:

  • The implementation of LNG as fuel for Danube vessels: LNG as fuel has an extremely high potential to fulfil efficiency and environmental objectives. Therefore, Pro Danube International initiated a transnational co-ordination project and filed this project together with 32 partners from 12 countries to the EU Program TEN T MAP Call 2012 (deadline 26 March 2013). For further information on this project see: LNG Masterplan for the Rhine-Main-Danube
  • The development of State Aid Schemes for fleet modernization: The barging sector requires financial support to modernise and upgrade the fleet through national and EU funding schemes. Pro Danube International therefore lobbies the development of national State Aid Schemes in all Danube states similar to those which exist in almost all Western European states. We also recommend to back-finance these programs with the help of the Structural Funds of the European Union.