In 2016 the european parliament and council enacted the EU Regulation 2016/1628: "Requirements relating to gaseous and particulate pollutant emission limits and type-approval for internal combustion engines for non-road mobile machinery". This regulation defines rigorous emission limit values for different performance ranges like the inland waterway transport. It does include vessels with new engines, but it does not include overhauled engines. That implies, that existing fleets are not affected by the regulation. As it targets a more environmentally friendly and sustainable inland waterway transport, existing fleets should be addressed as well. Therefore, the project “GRENDEL” (Green and efficient Danube Fleet) was initiated. The project aims to help creating development programs and compound financial instruments as well as preparing a national regulation template explicitly addressed to issues of inland waterway transport. Planned subsidies will be focused on the use of alternative fuels or drivetrains and more efficient engines, as well as every innovation which helps to reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases or reduce energy consumption.
The Austrian ministry for climate action, environment, energy, mobility, innovation and technology is involved as an associated strategic partner. Project issues and the national regulation template are developed in harness with viadonau.
