Baseline Situation & Challenges

In terms of transported volumes (emissions per ton-kilometer), inland navigation is one of the most environmentally friendly modes in domestic transport. However, this advantage has diminished in recent years due to the slow progress of modernisation of the inland navigation fleet, among other things.
Hence, there is an urgent need and at the same time a considerable potential for inland navigation to reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.
Up to now, the lack of funding for the necessary investments, the limited transfer of knowledge regarding ship innovations and the relatively limited market share have had a restraining effect on national and European modernisation efforts. These challenges must be addressed together with the inland navigation sector in the coming years.

Planned Activities

  • Shaping technological development paths in the areas of emission-free/low-emission ship technology, innovative propulsion systems and climate-neutral/climate-friendly fuels - e.g. through participation in research projects, the further development of regulations and standards and the involvement of technology manufacturers
  • Monitoring and coordination of retrofitting developments in the Danube region, including coordination with other regions (e.g. Rhine region)
  • Supporting modernisation and retrofitting investments through the BMK's fleet funding programme and other financing models
  • Support initiatives to develop the necessary infrastructure for climate-neutral/climate-friendly fuels