The Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Regulation 2016/1628 of the EU describes the framework for new Stage V emission standards with regard to the acceleration systems used on inland ships. It is a follow up of the existing and well known CCRII standards of the current newly placed engines on board of an inland vessel. This regulation applies for new built ships, but not for existing vessels. To address the improvement of the existing fleets national subsidy programmes shall be forced.

The Interreg financed project "GRENDEL - Green and efficient Danube Fleet" developed a modell state-aid scheme for modernisation of fleets. Project duration was from June 2018 to November 2020. The scheme was fitted for IWT and includes supplements for usage of alternative fuels, engines and every other alterations which helps to reduce emissions like CO2, NOx, etc. The project scope was elaborated jointly by viadonau and the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action. The project outcomes where included in a state-aid scheme for modernisation of the fleet, which will become operative in 2021.

The project makes a substantial contribution to the implementation of measure
10. Promote environmentally friendly fleet modernisation of the Action Programme for the Danube 2022.