The Second Joint Workshop by Danube Commission & EUSDR PA1a “Roadmap & actions towards zero-emission Danube fleet”
Danube Commission and EUSDR/PA1A organized the Second Joint Workshop ‘Roadmap & Measures for a Zero-Emission Danube Fleet’, with the aim to continue the structured dialogue on achieving the EU Green Deal targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for 2023/2040/2050 in Danube navigation. The event was held with the support of the European Commission as part of the Grant Agreement between DG MOVE and the Danube Commission.
Over 30 participants from the Danube region and beyond attended the meeting, including the representatives of the European Commission (DG MOVE), the competent authorities from DC Member States (Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine), representatives of the CCNR, EUSDR, Pro Danube International, United Waterways Association, as well as representatives of the barging and logistics sectors and other stakeholders.
The results of the 1st Joint Workshop (Budapest, 8 October 2024), focused on the most realistic and promising alternative fuel for the Danube region – Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – provided a base for discussions during the meeting.
The 2nd Joint Workshop dedicated specific attention to a coordinated Roadmap for decarbonizing Danube shipping, which was presented and discussed with the participants. The Roadmap provides comprehensive information on GHG emissions of the Danube cargo fleet, and contains potential solutions for the transition toward close-to-zero emissions, energy efficiency measures. The document also offers an insight into transition pathways for Danube navigation by 2030 and 2050 based on the research of the CCNR for the energy transition of the inland fleet, as well as on the results of the interactive sessions during the previous workshop held on October 8, 2024. The Roadmap proposes a short-term policy strategy for the roll-out of drop-in fuels and a mid-term policy strategy for zero-emission technologies beyond drop-in fuels. The debate and the inputs offered by the participants will be reflected in an updated version of the Roadmap, to be made available to the Member States and the relevant stakeholders.
The Danube Commission will continue discussions with the representatives of the Member States and the European Commission on harmonized regulatory measures and financial support to ensure predictability and reliability and a level playing field for the energy transition of the Danube fleet.
Further interaction is envisaged with vessel operators and their associations, with alternative fuels suppliers, and the aviation sector to identify future activities for the implementation of the Roadmap.
Next events:
Fourth Technology Transfer Workshop
Second Stage Event of Platina4Action project
3-4 November 2025
https://platina4action.iwtprojects.eu/events/
Presentations:
Gert Jan Muillerman, viadonau – Manfred Seitz DC – Actions towards zero-emission fleet
Sascha Gill – Association of the leading European River Cruise Companies
Virginia Oganesian, DC – Main conclusions of the first workshop
Muhammed Elemenler, DG MOVE – Greening of Inland Navigation
Pjotr Suvorov, DC – Work continued on the Strategy Document and first results of DC Questionnaire