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The HERFRIED project has been awarded funding under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme, paving the way for a new era of smart, sustainable and fully integrated inland waterway transport across Europe.

The project aims to digitally transform inland waterway transport (IWT) by creating a comprehensive Smart Inland Waterway Transport Framework that integrates smart vessels, smart infrastructure, smart data and smart administration into multimodal logistics networks. Through this approach, HERFRIED seeks to strengthen the role of inland waterways in Europe’s transport system while supporting the EU’s green and digital transition objectives.

Inland waterway transport offers considerable potential to reduce road congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve freight transport efficiency. HERFRIED will unlock this potential by improving interoperability, connectivity and real-time coordination between transport operators, infrastructure managers and logistics stakeholders.

To achieve these goals, the project will develop and validate a range of innovative digital solutions designed to automate cross-border information exchange related to voyages, traffic and infrastructure. The framework will also extend tracking capabilities to barges that are currently unmonitored, optimise transhipment processes in ports, and facilitate the discovery of available transport capacity and routes across inland waterways, rail and road networks.

By enabling real-time multimodal coordination and providing enhanced visibility for shippers and logistics providers, HERFRIED aims to make inland waterway transport more efficient, reliable and environmentally sustainable. The solutions will be tested and demonstrated in seven industry-led pilot projects across Europe, ensuring that innovations are validated in real operational environments.

"The funding awarded under Horizon Europe represents an important milestone for the project and reflects the growing recognition of inland waterways as a key component of Europe's sustainable transport future," the consortium stated.

HERFRIED addresses several strategic European priorities, including sustainability, digitalisation, resilience and transport efficiency. The project is expected to deliver measurable benefits for end-users while creating a scalable foundation for the large-scale deployment of cooperative Smart Shipping and Smart Logistics solutions beyond the project's duration.

The project is funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL5-2026-01-D6-10, the EU's flagship programme for research and innovation.

HERFRIED stands for "Highly Efficient, Eco-Friendly, Resilient, Fully Integrated, Real-Time Innovative Inland Waterway Transport Enhancing Multimodal Competitiveness via Digitalisation."

The consortium is coordinated by the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and brings together 17 leading European organisations from the fields of research, logistics, transport operations, infrastructure management, digital technologies and policy support. Partners include etp-ALICE, imec, University of Antwerp, Pro Danube International, viadonau, Transport Trade Services, voestalpine, Chasqee, RSOE, Transporeon, 4shipping, De Vlaamse Waterweg, AI Cargofoundation, Panteia, Frequentis and Inuits.

Together, the consortium forms a strong European network dedicated to advancing innovation and sustainability in inland waterway transport and strengthening Europe's multimodal logistics ecosystem.

The press release can be downloaded here.

The final report of the “Study on Enabling Sustainable Management and Development of Inland Ports” has officially been published on the Publications Office of the EU. The study, carried out under the Green Inland Ports initiative, supports the transition of European inland ports towards becoming sustainable, zero-emission and digitally enabled logistics hubs.

Commissioned within the framework of the European Green Deal objectives, the report highlights the strategic role of inland ports in reducing transport emissions, strengthening multimodal connectivity and supporting sustainable regional development across Europe. The study also provides recommendations and practical tools for improving environmental performance, energy efficiency, digitalisation and operational sustainability in inland ports.

The final report brings together the outcomes of several workstreams covering environmental impacts, digitalisation, sustainable mobility, and Environmental Sustainable Management Systems (ESMS), alongside lessons learned from pilot ports and stakeholder consultations conducted throughout the project. The report is now available online on the Publications Office of the EU website here. Annex 3 with all supporting materials is available here.

In 2025, Pro Danube continued to advance its mission of strengthening the role of inland waterway transport along the Danube corridor, while contributing to the broader European objectives of sustainable, efficient and resilient transport systems. Throughout the year, the organisation served as a key platform connecting stakeholders across the Danube region, fostering dialogue, innovation and practical solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and resilience of inland navigation. The association expanded its network with new members, actively contributed to high-level expert discussions and played a central role in major industry events such as the Danube Ports Days. Through sustained engagement with European stakeholders and institutions, Pro Danube effectively conveyed the sector’s priorities. At the same time, it fostered enhanced cooperation across the region, including facilitating dialogue between waterway administrations and industry actors, contributing to more coordinated and sustainable sector development.

This progress was made possible through strong cooperation with partners, members and institutions who share the vision of a modern and sustainable transport system in Europe.

Key Priorities for 2026

In 2026, Pro Danube will continue to drive collaboration, innovation and progress across the inland waterway transport sector in the Danube Region. Building on previous achievements, the focus will be on supporting concrete, scalable solutions for decarbonisation, while advocating for the effective implementation of the TEN-T Regulation, particularly in the areas of fairway maintenance and sustainable port development.

Strengthening cooperation will remain a priority, with continued dialogue between waterway administrations and the sector contributing to improved coordination and implementation of key measures. At the same time, efforts will advance the harmonisation of crewing frameworks to enhance workforce mobility and safety across the sector.

Engagement with members will also be further reinforced through dedicated platforms for exchange, ensuring alignment on priorities and timely responses to emerging challenges in a rapidly evolving transport landscape. Pro Danube invites you to explore the full report here.