The decarbonisation of inland waterway transport (IWT) within the EU Sustainable Transport Investment Plan

In the context of the upcoming European Maritime/Waterborne Industrial Strategy, the European Port Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan to be elaborated by the European Commission, the inland waterway transport plays a vital role in the various pillars of the Clean Industrial Deal.

As part of the PLATINA4 consortium, the Secretariat of the Danube Commission has actively contributed to developing policies for a more sustainable inland waterway transport sector. The IWT and inland ports sectors have addressed the European Commission and Member States concerning the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, and submitted a Policy Roadmap for rapid uptake and upscaling, underpinned by expert views on considered (near) zero emission technologies in IWT as well as transition pathways towards 90% reduction in transport-related GHG emissions by 2030-2040-2050.

In creating the enabling EU framework, decarbonisation of inland waterway transport (IWT) can be within reach. Through prioritised support for HVO as a renewable fuel for IWT and the establishment of regulatory certainty in a strongly coordinated effort by the Commission and Member States, IWT can achieve decarbonisation in the short term. The compatibility of HVO with IWT engines and existing refuelling infrastructure is a key advantage for facilitating a smooth transition. IWT is also an ideal carrier for large-volume shipments of this renewable drop-in fuel.

As energy diversification is essential to reduce energy dependence and vulnerability, pro-innovation regulation and funding will be an essential enabler to de-risk and increase current investment by the sector in high-tech innovation in the medium term.

In Europe’s new industrial future, defense industry and circular economy, IWT is indispensable as carrier of the building blocks of the EU economy, including renewable fuels. Increasing cargo volumes on inland waterways can make a significant contribution to achieving the European Green Deal policy objectives.

IWT is committed to continuing to play its crucial role in the safe and sustainable movement of the building blocks of the EU economy and in relieving congested land transport networks. This role should be properly reflected in the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, in the Port Strategy and the Waterborne Industrial Strategy, in order to strengthen a competitive and resilient EU manufacturing, trade and security ecosystem.

Role of the Danube Commission in PLATINA4Action project:

The Danube Commission plays a central role in representing the needs and requirements of the public and private stakeholders in the Danube region in the development of RD&I roadmap activities and in stakeholder engagement. The Secretariat of the Danube Commission contributes to monitoring of policy implementation, policy assessment and formulation of new policy measures (WP 1), the development and application of the labelling system (WP 3) from the specific viewpoint of the Danube corridor, bringing together stakeholders for technology deployment (WP 4), and organisation of the stakeholder events (WP 6).

Participation of the DC in PLATINA4Action provides a possibility to engage actively in future action plans, RD&I activities and research for the implementation of the NAIADES III, which aims to create a more sustainable inland waterway transport sector.