Following the completion of the upgraded mooring places in Linz (2021) and Wildungsmauer (2023), the project ‘FAIRway works! in the Rhine-Danube Corridor’, co-funded by the European Union, has now achieved another important modernisation success for cargo shipping on the Danube. Together with Austria‘s Minister for Climate Action Leonore Gewessler, the head of the European Commission´s Representation in Austria Wolfgang Bogensberger and viadonau´s Managing Director Hans-Peter Hasenbichler, the upgraded mooring place Brigittenau II was officially opened in Austria‘s capital on 27 August.
The upgrade of the mooring place was co-financed by the EU via the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as part of the ‘FAIRway works! in the Rhine-Danube Corridor’ project. viadonau Managing Director Hasenbichler, Minister Gewessler and Head of the EU Commission Representation in Austria Bogensberger are delighted with another success on the Danube, photo: © viadonau/Johannes Zinner
Ready for shore power at the mooring place Brigittenau II! From left to right: Head of the EU Commission Representation in Austria Wolfgang Bogensberger, Minister for Climate Action Leonore Gewessler, viadonau skipper Philipp Endt, viadonau project manager Lea Dosser and viadonau Managing Director Hans-Peter Hasenbichler, photo: © viadonau/Johannes Zinner
In the future-oriented development of the Danube as an environmentally friendly and efficient mode of transport, viadonau is dedicated not only to providing the best possible conditions for the sailing vessels, but also for the „parked“ vessels. The key objectives here are more efficient operation during resting times, the reduction of noise and other emissions, energy supply with shore power and thus a sustainable contribution to achieving the current climate goals. Following the corresponding upgrade of the mooring places in Linz and Wildungsmauer in previous years, the structure in Vienna/Brigittenau was implemented in 2024.
In order to ensure optimised mooring and casting off manoeuvres for the cargo ships and safe access for the ship crews, 14 dolphins, each weighing 16 tonnes, were installed in the river bed over a length of 344 metres, which makes it possible to use two access bridges. In addition modern shore power access points were created. These shore power systems are used to secure the power requirements on board during resting time so that the diesel generators previously in use no longer need to be utilised. Close to Vienna's urban environment, this extensive upgrade of a traditionally highly frequented mooring place represents a particularly noticeable improvement for local residents, shipping and the environment.
Minister for Climate Action Leonore Gewessler is proud about another important milestone in the greening of Danube navigation and is convinced: ‘These infrastructure modernisations are successes with long-term effects. Just think of the amount of energy that large vessels often need, even during resting times, and which was previously mostly generated by diesel generators. The modern shore power system provided here eliminates such sources of noise and exhaust fumes. This further strengthens the already high sustainability potential of the waterway.’
Wolfgang Bogensberger, head of the EU Commission Representation in Austria, looks at the further infrastructural development of the Danube waterway from a European perspective and explains: ‘Europe's inland waterways stretch over 41,000 kilometres and help to keep cargo transport in the EU flowing in a comparatively energy-efficient, safe and low-noise manner. Transporting one tonne of goods by inland navigation takes only around one sixth of the energy it would take by road. Environmental protection and safety are also at the centre of the FAIRway works! project, which is improving the infrastructure on the Danube in Austria and Serbia and is being funded by the EU with around 17 million euros. The upgrading of the Brigittenau mooring place will benefit shipping, the crews and also the local population. With the help of EU funds, both a European and a local benefit will be achieved.’
viadonau Managing Director Hans-Peter Hasenbichler emphasises the holistic development approach on the Danube and makes clear: ‘Our idea of a modern waterway does not end with a well-maintained Danube fairway, but strives for the best possible conditions for navigation in all situations. The latest upgrade of the Danube waterway in Vienna is another visible sign of our consistent course to develop the Danube into the future in a high-quality and responsible manner towards people, the economy and nature.’
The measures at the mooring place Brigittenau II were co-funded as part of the EU project ‘FAIRway works! in the Rhine Danube Corridor’ project via the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The project is a joint endeavour by Austria and Serbia to improve the waterway infrastructure along the Danube in these two countries.
