Pro Danube - News

: 22 June 2018

Danube Transport Day 2018 at the European Parliament

Port of Constanţa – multimodal hub for regional development and strategic partner of Danube ports

On 6 June 2018, Constanta Maritime Ports Administration and Pro Danube International together with MEP Ana-Claudia Tapardel organized the third edition of the “Danube Transport Day” in the European Parliament, an edition dedicated to the promotion of Port of Constanta as multimodal logistics hub being essential for regional development and as strategic partner of the Danube river ports.

The event brought together representatives from the European Commission (Maja Bakran-Marcich – Deputy Director General DG MOVE, Marco Onida – EUSDR Coordinator, DG REGIO, Hugues van Honacker – DG MOVE, Wojciech Sopinski – DG MOVE), from the European Parliament (MEPs Gesine Meissner, Ines Ayala), from the Danube States (Lucian Şova – Minister of Transport of Romania, Dan Tivilichi – CEO Port of Constanta, Levan Akhvlediani – Port of Anaklia, Decebal Făgădău – Mayor of Constanta, Romania), high level industry leaders (Viorel Panait – Constanta Port Business Association, Antonio Stoean – TTS Group, Radu Comanici – Danubia Kreuzfahrten GmbH) as well as more than 70 experts and stakeholders with a dedicated interest in Danube navigation and in the development of Constanta port.

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As host and member of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, MEP Tapardel opened the event with a message highlighting the importance of the Port of Constanta in the transport and trade scheme in Europe. "Port of Constanta undoubtedly offers the widest variety of maritime transport facilities and I strongly believe that Romania can become the main gateway to Europe for goods from East Asia and the Middle East. The hinterland of Constanta port can be extended to Central Europe under the condition that its connections with road and rail transport are being developed as well as navigation conditions on the Danube are being improved”, said Ms Tapardel. One of the main messages of MEP Tapardel referred to the fact that effective and sustainable Danube navigation constitutes a notable way to reach the multimodality objectives of the European Union while stimulating the industry and economy of the riparian countries.

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Commissioner Creţu has sent an important message reiterating the importance of a better intergovernmental cooperation with the EU and non-EU states, which contributes to the development of the Danube Region Strategy. “The Danube region requires the implementation of new road, rail, maritime and multimodal infrastructure projects and this cannot be done without the support of the European institutions.” Commissioner Creţu reviewed some of the initiatives by which the EC supports regional cooperation and called on stakeholders to be more active in addressing national and European decision-makers.

On behalf of Romania, Mr Lucian Şova, Minister of Transport, presented the projects supported by the Romanian Government for the development of the Constanta port, as well as the close cooperation between the operators and the local administration and stressed that it is extremely important for the national authorities to value the technical capacity of Constanta port and continue to support initiatives that will contribute to its global competitiveness. At the same time, Minister Sova appreciated the importance of this event and supported the idea of its continuation in the years to come.

Decebal Făgădău, the Mayor of Constanţa, referred to the crucial importance of good cooperation with the neighboring states regarding the navigability of the Danube, especially the collaboration between Romania and Bulgaria. From his perspective, the solution to any misunderstanding on this subject can only be solved by developing joint projects and accessing structural funds for their implementation.

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MEPs Ines Ayala (ES) and Gesine Meissner (DE) highlighted the importance of the unique position of Constanta Port and its relevance for ensuring a good level of multimodal interconnectivity at European level. This requires a series of long-term initiatives and projects that will maximize its potential by means of new infrastructure and by accessing European funds.

According to Dan Tivilichi, CEO of Constanta Port, out of the 60 million tons of goods operated last year in the port of Constanta, 13 million tons have been transported on the Danube. The amount could reach 20 million tons if navigability conditions improve. Despite all blockages which were caused mainly by the lack of dredging on the Bulgarian sector, Constanta port remains an intermodal transport hub in the region. Private investment in recent years has been concentrated around new grain storage sites. For the next 5 years private investments of over 200 million euros have already been announced. These are added to the investments the Maritime Ports Administration has on its own, both from European funds and from its own funds, which are mainly focused on the development of naval infrastructure.

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Viorel Panait, President of Constanţa Port Business Association presented some of these investments such as in grain, bulk and container terminals. He also numbered the negative impact of the non-execution of dredging works on the Bulgarian Danube section and asked for a long-term commitment to professional fairway maintenance.

Manfred Seitz, General Secretary of Pro Danube International, has raised the awareness towards the important role the port of Constanta for the Danube ports and the overall IWT sector. According to Mr Seitz, "Danube waterways can provide efficient logistics solutions both in terms of costs and from an environmental perspective, which will improve the competitive situation of many industries that seek access to the Black Sea, Caspian and Middle East markets, with Constanta port as the optimal link between Europe and Asia.” Mr Seitz introduced the strategic project “DAPhNE – Danube Ports Network” receiving funding from the Danube Transnational Programme. The permanent cooperation platform of the Danube ports will become operational as of July 2018 and its activities shall focus on 3 main intervention directions such as (i) greening& climate change adaption, (ii) innovation & digitalization, (iii) supporting regulatory framework & port governance.

The event was marked by the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Maritime Ports Administration Constanta and Port of Anaklia from Georgia. Its signature has laid the foundation for an effective partnership and collaboration between the two ports, emphasizing the importance of developing traffic between Constanta port and Georgian ports by revitalizing direct connections between Romania and Georgia and be part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative.

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The event was broadcasted live on CaleaEuropeana.ro, a multimedia platform promoting EU policies & strategies. The recording can be accessed at: http://www.caleaeuropeana.ro/eurodeputatul-claudia-tapardel-declaratii-dupa-conferinta-port-of-constanta-multimodal-hub-for-regional-development-and-strategic-partner-of-danube-ports-trebuie-intreprinse-toate-masurile-necesa/

: 18 April 2018

PROMINENT project successfully delivers its final results

The final results of the PROMINENT project aimed at the greening and sustainability of the European inland navigation sector will be presented at the Transport Research Arena 2018 in Vienna, Austria (16-19 April). STC Group coordinates this large-scale project since May 2015. The project has been made possible by the European Commission.

PROMINENT focuses on researching, testing and introducing affordable, safe and green alternative energy concepts and technologies for the European inland navigation sector. At the same time PROMINENT wants to significantly reduce energy consumption and the 'carbon footprint' of inland shipping.The research shows that installing after-treatment systems, sailing with alternative fuels, navigating energy efficiently to save fuel and placing new engines or adjusting (hybrid or size adjustment) the engines are the most effective solutions.

An international project team (consisting of 17 participants) started in 2015 with the development of work packages in which the various sustainable and innovative solutions are described. These work packages provide the various stakeholders (public bodies, banks, port authorities, technology providers, fleet/ship owners and shippers) with know-how to make inland shipping greener. The innovative solutions researched by PROMINENT are relevant for 70% of the current fleet and can result in savings of up to 30%.

With 18,000 vessels and 40,000 crew members, the inland navigation sector can make a large contribution to the sustainability of the transport chain and the reduction of traffic jams on European roads. Because the human factor can also make an important contribution to the greening and sustainability of the inland shipping sector, 'digital education tools' have been developed as part of PROMINENT to make the logistics managers of the future more aware of the possibilities of the inland shipping as a transport modality.

The results of the project are available on the Prominent website, www.prominent-iwt.eu. There is also a short video available https://youtu.be/PYuWYpVG7T0.

Note for editors: For more information, please contact STC Group, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Project manager.

: 27 November 2017

Second edition "Danube Transport Day" successfully organised in the European Parliament

On 23 November 2017, Pro Danube International together with MEP Ana-Claudia Tapardel organized the second edition of the “Danube Transport Day” in the European Parliament, an event dedicated to the promotion of Danube transportation as vital element of the economic development of the Danube region.

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The event brought together high level representatives from the European Commission (Violeta Bulc – Commissioner for Transport, Maja Bakran-Marcich – Deputy Director General DG MOVE, Marco Onida – EUSDR Coordinator, DG REGIO), from the European Parliament (MEPs Gesine Meissner, Viorica Dancila, Pavel Telicka, Peter Kouroumbashev), from the Danube States (Felix Stroe – Minister of Transport of Romania, Veljko Kovacevic – Assistant Minister of Transport of Serbia, Juraj Mery – Gen. Dir. PM, Ministry of Transport of Slovakia, Ionut Pucheanu – Mayor of Galati, Romania, Maria Tzankova – Association of Danube River Municipalities), high level industry leaders (Thomas Maaßen – Rhenus Logistics, Antonio Stoean – TTS Group, Radu Comanici – Danubia Kreuzfahrten GmbH) as well as more than 70 experts and stakeholders with a dedicated interest in the Danube navigation.

As organizer and member of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, MEP Tapardel opened the event with a message highlighting the importance of the Danube in the transport and trade scheme in Europe, advocating the need for an integrated approach to investment in projects drawn up by the stakeholders and the European Commission. "Despite the shortcomings caused by poor infrastructure and maintenance levels, the Danube is one of the most important waterways with a huge potential for the development of European industry. I firmly believe that transport on the Danube can became a platform for European connectivity in the long run”, said Ms Tapardel. The main message of MEP Tapardel referred to the fact that effective and sustainable Danube navigation constitutes a notable way to reach the multimodality objectives of the European Union while stimulating the industry and economy of the riparian countries.

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As keynote speaker, Commissioner Violeta Bulc has sent an important message of support for transforming the Danube into a sustainable core transport axis of the European Union. Commissioner Bulc reviewed some of the initiatives by which the EC supports regional cooperation, and called on stakeholders to be more active in addressing national and European decision-makers in order to increase the visibility of the inland navigation sector in the political debate. According to Commissioner Bulc,"The economic potential of the Danube region is infinite and the European Commission is ready to pay extra attention to inland navigation. Now that we are at a turning point in the transport sector, one in which we are trying to integrate digitalization and sustainability objectives, inland navigation can be a defining element of the European connectivity and logistics network. However, I would like to point out that this sector is still underrepresented and promoted in Brussels. That is why today I appeal to those present to find a common message and to draw up an action plan that the Commission can then support financially and technically".

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On behalf of Romania, Mr Felix Stroe, Minister of Transport, presented the vision and the progress of the ministry regarding the current status of the inland waterway transport activities, ongoing projects as well as planned actions. "Romania pays particular attention to the inland waterway sector, which is regarded as the most efficient mode of transport, both economically and environmentally, taking all necessary measures to ensure proper conditions of navigation, both in the Romanian sector but also in the Bulgarian one, in case the national obligations were not properly fulfilled”, said Mr Stroe.

Assistant Minister of Transport of Serbia Mr Veljko Kovačevic and General Director of Project Management, Ministry of Transport of Slovakia Mr Juraj Méry elaborated on several important infrastructure projects in their countries which clearly demonstrate the political will to improve the functioning of the Danube waterway.

MEP Peter Kouroumbashev from Bulgaria draw attention in his speech to some important aspects such as fairway maintenance of the BG sector, importance of strategic bridges between RO-BG, building of common hydropower plants as well as Schengen adherence of Romania and Bulgaria. Mr Kouroumbashev took note of all the remarks coming from Romanian stakeholders with regard to fairway maintenance and dredging issues and promised to pass them along to his Ministry of Transport.

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Mr Manfred Seitz, Secretary General of Pro Danube International, raised the awareness towards the innovation needs of the Danube IWT sector. According to Mr Seitz, "The Danube Region needs smart, sustainable and inclusive growth based on a modern transport system. Danube waterways can provide efficient logistics solutions both in terms of costs and from an environmental perspective, which will improve the competitive situation of many industries that seek access to the Black Sea, Caspian and Middle East markets. Targeted innovation will steer to the modernization of this important sector and will result into a revitalized of the Danube transport among transport users, logistics service providers and the wider public. Mr Seitz introduced the third major lead project of Pro Danube - GRENDEL – which addresses the objectives defined in the “Green Deal for Danube River Transport”, the policy & business framework to improve efficiency & environmental performance of Danube waterway transport system. This initiative was officially introduced during last year’s edition and fosters cooperation of the public and private sector in order to enhance and to green the Danube river transport. Other two successful lead projects which are part of the Green Deal are “DANTE – Improving Administrative Procedures and Processes for Danube IWT” and “DAPhNE – Danube Ports Network”, both projects receiving funding from the Danube Transnational Programme.

The presentations introduced at the Danube Transport Day can be downloaded here.

The Danube Transport Day was lively broadcasted on CaleaEuropeana.ro, a multimedia platform promoting EU policies & strategies. The recording can be accessed at: http://www.caleaeuropeana.ro/video-eurodeputatul-claudia-tapardel-psd-sd-transportul-pe-dunare-poate-constitui-platforma-pentru-conectivitatea-europeana-pe-termen-lung/

: 20 September 2017

Danube Transport Day 2017 in European Parliament

With the support of MEP Ana-Claudia Tapardel (Member TRAN), PDI is organising the second edition of the Danube Transport Day on 23 November 2017 in the European Parliament. This event will bring together for a fruitful dialogue on one side officials from the European Parliament and the European Commission (confirmed participation of Ms Violeta Bulc, Commissioner for Transport) and on the other side industry representatives from main industries active in the Danube region.

The 2017 event shall raise the awareness of the members of the European Parliament, the European Commission as well as of invited policy makers towards the infrastructure and innovation needs and the planned innovation activities of the Danube IWT sector for its modernization and for achieving a revitalised image of the Danube transport among transport users, logistics service providers and the wider public.

A preliminary agenda can be found here. Please note that participation is free of charge and will provide very good networking opportunities.

If you are interested to participate, please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Registration deadline is 15 November 2017.