News

Pro Danube's participation at the recent EUSDR PA1a Steering Group Meeting ensured that the concerns and requirements of the sector on crucial issues that impact their daily operations are heard. One of the focal points of the recent meeting referred to the impact of low water levels on the Danube. Our association has consistently advocated for the implementation of proper dredging works along the Danube, with a keen eye on the critical sections of the river and its navigable tributaries. The low water levels on certain sections of the Danube have had a substantial impact on the economic activities of the businesses operating on the Danube, making them less efficient and sometimes even disrupting essential transportation routes. It is imperative to understand that dredging is a vital solution to mitigate these challenges. 

The "Cooperative Fairway Management" initiative championed by Pro Danube several times during the last years emphasizes the necessity of collaborative efforts among the responsible authorities. In this context, securing adequate dredging works isn't just a matter of improving the waterway but ensuring the very economic viability of the sector. Through cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing the issue of low water levels, Pro Danube is striving to make a meaningful difference.

The status of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Revision was another significant item on the meeting's agenda. The TEN-T network plays a pivotal role in supporting European transport infrastructure, and its revision holds the potential to significantly impact the Danube IWT sector. Furthermore, preparations for the Danube Ministerial Conclusions 2024 were discussed. These conclusions are anticipated to be signed in the framework of the Connecting Europe Days in Brussels the following year, and they hold substantial relevance for the future of the Danube IWT industry.

Greening of the fleet was another "hot topic" on the agenda of the meeting. A commitment to greener practices is crucial, given the ambitious goals set forth in the European Green Deal. It is the perspective of Pro Danube that the greening of the fleet should go hand-in-hand with economic viability. This approach ensures that businesses operating on the Danube can adapt to the stringent environmental standards while maintaining their financial stability. Pro Danube reiterated the fact that the greening of the fleet is not only a path to sustainability but also a means to secure a prosperous future for the Danube IWT community.

By aligning with the goals of the European Green Deal, the IWT sector can contribute to the ultimate aim: achieving a climate-neutral transport system. With its well-known advantages, the IWT sector remains an indispensable component in reaching this milestone.

We are thrilled to announce that Donau Partner has decided to join the Pro Danube community!

 

Donau Partner d.o.o. was founded in January 2019. The company provides chartering services and brokerage for the organisation of transport of cargo in bulk (general, bulk, and project cargo) on the Danube, Rhine, and Main rivers across Europe, from Constanta to the ARA region (as well Tisa, Drava, Sava rivers and channels across the ARA region). We also book sea vessels (especially in the Black Sea and Mediterranean seas), together with transshipments and all supportive activities in the Port of Constanta. This way we provide our clients and partners the possibility to have full supply chain solutions under one roof. Today, we are one of the leading companies in chartering on the Balkan, and in addition, we also have our own river transport fleet of 13 transport units with a total deadweight capacity of around 25.000 tons. Moreover, we have sister companies in Slovenia (EU), and in Dubai (UAE) as well.

 
The Green Inland Ports project launches an expression of interest and a warm invitation for European inland ports to engage with us in the pilot phase of this project. Green Inland Ports, commissioned by the European Commission, aims to enable sustainable management and development of inland ports. The objective is the development of a set of Sustainable Management System tools that will help inland ports to achieve their environmental goals. As an inland port participating in the pilot phase, you will cooperate closely with our team to apply these tools, based on your specific needs. Your valuable feedback and best practices will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of the Green Inland Ports project and will contribute to the future European policy agenda for the greening of inland ports.

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We are thrilled to announce that Ziviltechnikerkanzlei DI Richard Anzböck has decided to join the Pro Danube community.

 

Ziviltechnikerkanzlei DI Richard Anzböck was established in 1980 and has since grown to be one of the few civil engineer offices in Austria operative in all nautical matters. The office of DI Richard Anzböck conducts its business within the country as well as internationally, covering all aspects related to operating vessels on rivers, lakes, and the open sea.  

The engineers at DI Richard Anzböck cover a wide range of activities: planning ships and landings, producing the relevant technical drawings and calculations; monitoring the construction; various inspections and surveys of vessels both big and small; consultations of individuals and companies and providing specialist input for various private and public institutions