Challenges
The share of motorised cargo vessels is growing compared with the, still dominant, pushed navigation. Because motorised cargo vessels are mostly not being operated 24 hours a day, the demand for correspondingly equipped berthing places is growing too. There is the need to consider quantity as well as quality and, if necessary, upgrade the existing infrastructure to comply with the requirements. Towpaths are further accompanying river bank infrastructure whose maintenance is being supported by a central maintenance management system since 2012. The auspicious approaches need to be evaluated, expanded and improved in order to provide towpaths cost-efficiently and in compliance with legal requirements and the needs of different user groups (cycle tourism, emergency services and administration). Moreover, there are residential areas along the Danube with considerable potential for development.
Description of the measure
- Implement berthing place development for cargo and passenger inland navigation
- Analysis of needs and requirements (quantity and quality) of necessary shore infrastructure
(renovation and re-dimensioning of bollards, shore power, waste disposal, alternative power
supply, car unloading points, sanitary facilities, etc.)
- Joint implementation of the findings gained from demand analyses
- Develop and maintain a berthing places database - Monitor, maintain and develop towpaths (also as part of cycle tracks relevant for tourism)
- Define minimum “Level of Service” for towpath maintenance
- Enhance maintenance management system (condition monitoring and
documentation of maintenance measures)
- Implement development measures - Implement effective real estate management (optimise the use of riverside properties according to their potentials, e.g. expansion of marinas, catering facilities, touristic offers)
- Cultivate natural areas with regard to their appeal for recreational use