GRENDEL – GREEN AND EFFICIENT DANUBE FLEET

GRENDEL represents a vital step forward in the more than challenging modernisation process of the Danube fleet. The achievements of the project went far beyond identifying the most challenges IWT is facing in terms of low technological intake, new legislative developments or reduced investment capacities of vessel operators. Next to providing a fruitful ground for the establishment of dedicated financial instruments that trigger investments in the fleet via its model state aid scheme, the active involvement of various private vessel operators and businesses operating on the Danube gave the possibility to shape the solutions proposed in the framework of the project according to their needs and requirements. The in-depth analysis of the challenges IWT is currently facing, as well as recommendations to overcome them in a well-defined and coordinated manner, were also proposed in the framework of the Danube IWT Fleet Modernisation Strategy & Recommendations.

The last Consortium Meetings of the project took place on 28 October 2020 and allowed all the partners to meet for a last time and address the next steps towards the finalisation of the results in November 2020.

All the core results are published on the GRENDEL website (section Library). Besides, a brochure on the results of the project giving an overview of the key achievements of GRENDEL over its lifetime is now available here and on the website (section Project dissemination).

DANUBE IWT FLEET MODERNISATION STRATEGY & RECOMMENDATIONS AVAILABLE

GRENDEL, as comprehensively described in its Danube IWT Fleet Modernisation Strategy & Recommendations, proposed concrete actions, measures and recommendations to overcome the most problematic issues faced by IWT in the Danube Region and well beyond:

(1) environmental quality through low emissions

(2) efficient integration of IWT into multimodal logistics chains.

Another important topic discussed in the framework of the strategy refers to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IWT. In order to reduce uncertainty and secure a smooth transport flow, the strategy proposes concrete actions and measures to reduce the harmful impact of the crisis on businesses operating on the Danube.

The strategy is now available on the Library section of the website.

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PUBLICATION OF THE FINALISED MODEL STATE AID SCHEME & DRAFT STATE AID SCHEME FOR BULGARIA

One of the core objectives of the project is to provide a fruitful ground for the establishment of dedicated instruments that trigger investments in the fleet. The findings gathered during the project formed the basis for the elaboration of the GRENDEL model state aid scheme, key result of the project which is now available on the Library section of the website. Measures were pre-identified for becoming activities funded under national state aid schemes. 

The model covers the 5 most important aspects of fleet modernisation: 

(1) environmental performance

(2) integration into logistics chains

(3) increasing the safety of IWT

(4) renewal of actors in the sector

(5) innovative solutions

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FINALISATION AND PUBLICATION OF THE INNOVATIVE & GREENING INLAND VESSEL CONCEPTS

The three funded fleet operators of the project (NAVROM in cooperation with SDG, FLUVIUS, DANUBIA) were involved in the development of innovative and greening inland vessel concepts, participating to the creation of best practises, with the objective to get prepared for funding application.

The advanced “green” vessel designs were elaborated considering most promising greening technologies and solutions leading to increased efficiency in terms of ship efficiency and navigation performance.

The innovative and greening inland vessel concepts are available on the Library section of the website.

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GRENDEL: THE FINAL EVENT OF A FRUITFUL TRANSNATIONAL COOPERATION

Fleet modernisation and technological innovation were key elements that defined the last 30 months of fruitful collaboration in the framework of the GRENDEL project.

By establishing a solid partnership under the lead of Pro Danube International, with members ranging from international organisations, national authorities and decision makers to stakeholders operating on the Danube and its navigable tributaries, GRENDEL resulted in achievements that were welcomed by both public and private entities.

The project consortium came together, for one last time before the lifespan of the project ends, to present and discuss aspects related to fleet modernisation in terms of greening, efficiency and the innovative technological solutions that support this endeavor. The final event was attended by more than 80 European experts, ranging from European River Commissions, UNECE, branch organisations and engine manufacturers, to representatives of three DGs holding keynote speeches and EUSDR PA1a coordinators. 

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2ND KNOW-HOW TRANSFER EVENT ON MODERNISATION OF DANUBE VESSELS FLEET SUCCESSFULLY ORGANISED

Following the success story of the previous edition organised in March 2019, this year's Know-How Transfer Event for the Modernisation of the Danube Fleet brought together representatives of the European Commission, international organisations, IWT stakeholders, as well as innovation experts and suppliers to debate on available technologies which have the potential to pave the way towards climate neutrality by 2050, as foreseen by the European Green Deal.

Besides technologies, insight into digitalisation aspects leading to paperless sailing and increasing efficiency of transport processes as well outlook to expected funding and financing and to the elaborated GRENDEL Model State Aid Scheme were provided.

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THIRD PUBLIC CONSULTATION SUCCESSFULLY ORGANISED

The core objective of the 3rd GRENDEL Public Consultation organised in September 2020 by the Danube Commission was to discuss on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Danube IWT with public and private stakeholders and relevant services of the European Commission and to consider possible recovery actions.

Both passenger and cargo transportation were highly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with cargo not having time to fully recover after the drought of 2018. Limiting the devastating impact on the industry therefore has to be high on the agenda of decision-makers at all levels.

The online dialogue covered the key issues, such as strategies and actions for recovery in the regulatory framework, economic analysis and perspectives of major industries in the Danube region, including barging companies, situation and perspectives of Danube sea and river ports.

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