Pro Danube - News

: 27 March 2019

GRENDEL: first public consultation and first State Aid Scheme Model workshop held at the premises of the Danube Commission in Budapest

The Danube Commission hosted on 26 March 2019 two major events in the framework of the GRENDEL project. Whereas the topics of the first public consultation evolved around the CESNI and the Danube Commission’s work programme related to technological and educational standards, the aim of the workshop was to gather first-hand inputs from stakeholders and the responsible state authorities in the elaboration process of a harmonised State Aid Scheme at transnational level (“Model State Aid Scheme”). The series of public consultations held in the framework of the GRENDEL project are an instrument for initiation and revision of policy frameworks at both national and European levels in order to ensure favourable legal preconditions for the overall modernisation process of the Danube fleet. Furthermore, this first public consultation, by reuniting Danube fleet operators with the relevant state authorities, sets the ground for subsequent discussions and recommendations, ensuring that vital interests of Danube fleet operators are collected systematically and are well represented in the on-going work of regulatory bodies. The outcomes of the public consultations will be summarised into position papers and presented to the national/European policy makers and experts for policy and regulatory activities.

The second part of the working day was dedicated to a widely neglected issue in the Danube region: the creation of an efficient funding instrument to support vessel operators in modernising their fleet. Considering the potential of inland waterway transport (IWT) in significantly reducing road congestion and air pollutant emissions, adapting the Danube fleet to innovative technologies is no longer an option, but a must. However, investing in a fleet that is on average more than 40 years old represents a huge financial challenge for vessel operators. Therefore, creating a dedicated model State Aid Scheme that supports investments in the Danube fleet is necessary to enable IWT to compete with other modes of transport.

Presumably based on 3 pillars – greening of the fleet, multimodality and safety – the model State Aid Scheme delivered by the GRENDEL project will have the potential to significantly boost the attractiveness of the IWT sector by better responding to industry needs, making businesses more profitable and increasing the overall economic efficiency of IWT.

The main conclusion of both events was that time is running out, as the general condition of the Danube fleet is rather poor. Investing in the proper maintenance of the river by ensuring uninterrupted navigability periods and greening the fleet are necessary measures to efficiently integrate IWT in the intermodal supply chain and to respond to the emission requirements set by the European legislation.

: 18 March 2019

GRENDEL project: First Know-How Transfer Event on Modernisation of Danube Vessels Fleet was organised in Vienna

Modernising the Danube fleet is one of the main objectives of the GRENDEL project. Therefore, the aim of this event, organised in cooperation with the INDanube Innovation Transfer Centre, was to bring together vessel operators from the Danube region with innovation experts and suppliers. Increasing the knowledge among Danube IWT stakeholders about greening technologies that meet the strict requirements of the Non-Road Mobile Machinery Regulation is a major precondition in the successful modernisation process of the Danube fleet. Furthermore, transferring knowledge to vessel operators is a vital prerequisite for decisions directly linked to financing the modernisation of a fleet that urgently needs comprehensive investments in order to be able to compete with other modes of transport. In this sense, supporting the investment capacity of stakeholders in the Danube fleet, by developing innovative financial instruments at the transnational level (State Aid Scheme), is another main objective of the GRENDEL project.

The event started with keynote speeches delivered by representatives of the sector and on behalf of DG MOVE, European Commission, by Mr. Hughes van Honacker, Senior Expert. In his speech, Mr. Manfred Seitz (PDI) noted that GRENDEL is the third project after DANTE and DAPhNE that addresses the objectives defined in the policy initiative “Green Deal for Danube River Transport” launched by Pro Danube International. Green Deal is a cooperative policy instrument which provides a coordinated framework for joint public and private actions to improve the efficiency and eco-performance of Danube IWT. Both Mr. Hughes van Honacker (DG MOVE) and Mr. Gernot Pauli (CCNR) agreed that it is of outmost importance to take more proactive measures to secure a smooth integration of IWT in the European transport and logistics chains. Furthermore, DG MOVE welcomes and supports initiatives like GRENDEL.

The manifold topics of the agenda contained examples of good practices (inland vessel modernisation projects and initiatives), European legal requirements for emission reduction and future-oriented innovative technological solutions for the inland waterway transport sector (batteries, new diesel fuels, hybrid/diesel-electric and gas/gas-electric propulsion systems, after-treatment solutions etc.).

In the era of digitalisation where low to zero emissions play a significant role on the European policy agenda, the transnational modernisation of the Danube fleet is no longer an option,
but a must. As the transport sector is faced with a significant increase of road congestion, Danube IWT has the potential to become a reliable, efficient, cost-effective and safe alternative mode of transport, connecting as much as 10 different European countries. Therefore, one of the main conclusions of the event was that innovative technological solutions have to respond to the concrete needs, challenges and specific preconditions of the Danube region.

It was furthermore concluded that the Governments of the Danube region should proactively support the greening of the fleet. By looking at the current regulatory framework, it became clear that concrete incentives are missing. The IWT sector should be directly involved in the complex decision making process at both European and national levels. Moreover, the NAIADES III action programme should receive adequate and dedicated funds to improve the overall situation of IWT in Europe.

: 18 February 2019

First Advisory Group of the Danube Ports Network elected

Danube Ports Network (DPN) announced that it formed on 6 February 2019 an Advisory Group (AdG) to assist in further building and consolidating the capacity and identity of the Network, implementing the DPN’s current plans, as well as identifying means to capitalize on future growth opportunities. In addition, the AdG shall contribute to achieving a more dynamic, sustainable, state-of-the art network of ports in the Danube Region with a stronger With the election of Captain Béla Szalma as Chairman, the DPN’s Advisory Group consists of 6 members, including Werner Auer, Managing Director Ennshafen, Anguel Zabourtov, Director General of the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.), Gerhard Gussmagg, Managing Director Rhenus Logistics, Rhenus Donauhafen Krems, and Thomas Moser, General Director Danube Logistics SRL general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP). The National Company Maritime Ports Administration Constanta S.A. shall also be represented in the DPN Advisory Group.and more coordinated voice at regional and EU level.

: 22 January 2019

PDI was appointed as a member of the Digital, Transport and Logistics Forum

We are happy to announce that Pro Danube International was officially appointed as a member for the second mandate of the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF). The appointment is valid for five years.

DTLF is a group of experts from both the public and private sector that provides a platform for stakeholders from different transport and logistics communities to exchange technical knowledge and assist the European Commission in developing and implementing policy measures. DTLF identifies challenges and areas where common actions at EU level are needed, providing recommendations and actively supporting their implementation.

The tasks of DTLF during its second mandate are to:

facilitate cooperation and foster coordination between the European Commission, Member States and key stakeholders;
provide advice and technical expertise, and to assist the European Commission in the preparation, development and implementation of legislative proposals and policy initiatives;
assist the European Commission in the preparation of delegated acts;
exchange information, experience and good practice;
deliver opinions, reports, and develop and propose innovative solutions to the European Commission.