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In the dynamic world of inland waterway transport and port development, the annual Danube Ports Days event, initiated by Pro Danube in the frame of DAPhNE and further strengthened through DIONYSUS, has become a cornerstone for fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of inland ports along the Danube and well beyond.

Each edition of the event has become a well-established tradition - an occasion eagerly awaited by professionals, enthusiasts, and experts alike. The series of events focused on a range of themes, including infrastructure enhancement, technological innovation, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.

By bringing together a diverse array of perspectives, the Danube Ports Days foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of inland waterway transport in general with a special focus on port development issues.

This year's hybrid event, a collaborative effort by Pro Danube, the EU-funded Green Inland Ports Study, MultiRELOAD, Innovation Action SYNERGETICS projects, and with support from the Danube Ports Network, was a resounding success. The two-day event, held on 23 and 24 November in Vienna, provided a unique platform for participants to explore innovative tools and solutions geared towards achieving green objectives, sharing experiences, addressing common challenges, and staying updated on the latest industry developments. With a specific focus on the European Green Deal, the Danube Ports Days aimed to facilitate collaboration between public and private entities, fostering know-how sharing and feedback collection in pursuit of the ambitious climate targets enshrined in the European Green Deal.

We're delighted to announce that the presentations and recordings from this groundbreaking event are available for download. Dive into the wealth of insights and expertise shared at Danube Ports Days 2023 here.

THANK YOU to all contributors, partners, and attendees for making Danube Ports Days a cornerstone in shaping the future of inland waterway transport!

The most recent and final 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 provided a platform to reflect on past achievements, address current challenges, and outline a sustainable and resilient future for the European transport system. As the upcoming revision of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) introduces novelties for the entire core network, it is essential to prioritise efficient communication, innovative approaches, and a strong commitment to long-term partnerships. A sustainable and resilient transport system depends on improved coordination, better interoperability between transport modes, and the proactive involvement of the private sector and their representatives.

In its capacity as the voice of the Danube IWT sector, Pro Danube's Chairman Herfried Leitner suggested a strategic shift in focus – concentrating efforts on addressing the 4-5 most critical bottlenecks rather than attempting to tackle the entire fairway simultaneously. This targeted approach would maximise impact within a shorter timeframe, fostering rapid improvements in navigability.

Pro Danube's Chairman, Herfried Leitner, had the honour of witnessing the inauguration of the upgraded Gabčíkovo lock, marking a significant milestone for the entire IWT community.

The enhanced Gabčíkovo lock promises several benefits, reinforcing navigation along the Slovak section of the Danube. The improvements aim to boost safety, reliability and operational efficiency, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved.

Reducing bottlenecks along the Rhine-Danube core network corridor is a key achievement, streamlining the transportation process. This development is not just about infrastructure; it's about modal split encouraging the use of IWT.

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The Danube Ports Days 2023 event, a collaborative effort by Pro Danube in partnership with the EU-funded Green Inland Ports Study, MultiRELOAD and SYNERGETICS projects, and with support from the Danube Ports Network, has successfully concluded. This groundbreaking event served as the focal point for high-profile representatives from the European Parliament, European Commission, international river commissions, port authorities, and various stakeholders in the inland waterway transportation (IWT) sector.

 

The two-day event, held on 23 and 24 November in Vienna, provided a unique platform for participants to explore innovative tools and solutions geared towards achieving green objectives, sharing experiences, addressing common challenges, and staying updated on latest industry developments. With a specific focus on the European Green Deal, the Danube Ports Days aimed to facilitate collaboration between public and private entities, fostering know-how sharing and feedback collection in pursuit of the ambitious climate targets enshrined in the European Green Deal.

READ MORE