PDI fights new Hungarian restrictions on Danube navigation
The Hungarian National Traffic Authority (Nemzeti Közlekedesi Hatosag) issued on 27 February two new regulations (010/Du/2012 and 011/DU/2012) which result into severe restrictions for Danube navigation. The new regulations limit the size of the pushed convoys on the Danube section upstream of Budapest (KM 1812 - 1641) to four barges and downstream of Budapest (KM 1641 - 1433) to six barges based on the dimensions of Eurobarge II (76.5 X 11.4m).
PDI acts on insufficient ice measurs at Iron Gate
The deep temperatures in February resulted into an interruption of Danube transport at Iron Gate which lasted from 6th February until 3rd March causing supply chain problems and significant financial losses for transport users and vessel operators. PDI therefore started to investigate the current situation on ice prevention and ice fighting at the Iron Gate complex and discovered unclear responsibilities.
Positive answer from EC to PDI request on infrastructure task force
The European Commission reacted very positively on the PDI request for an EU led task force on better fairway maintenance. As consequence to our initiative, the EC has started an internal process to elaborate a strategy and concrete measures to tackle the severe maintenance problems on the Danube. The Commission plans to set up a political process involving all Danube states as well as the navigation industry in order to guarantee effective and safe navigation.
EVN AG joins PDI
EVN AG is an international energy and environmental services provider with headquarters in Lower Austria. EVN offers electricity, gas, water, heat and waste incineration to more than 3 million customers in Austria, Bulgaria and Macedonia.