Inland Waterway Transport Projects Cooperation Platform: 37 connected projects
Waterborne Technology Platform welcomes the Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) Projects Cooperation Platform
The Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) Projects Cooperation Platform was officially launched at the occasion of the Waterborne Days in Brussels. The Platform provides a unique overview of a collaborative ecosystem of EU funded projects in the field of research, innovation and demonstration in IWT. It brings together 37 different complementary projects.
As a hub for European research, development and innovation projects, the Platform provides information on the ongoing projects. It also creates an environment where project coordinators and consortia connect, share insights and best practices, and strategically align their objectives. It addresses critical industry needs, such as deployment of zero-emission technologies, improving digitalisation, ensuring climate resilient infrastructure, enhancing logistics and a quality workforce. By providing a common space, the platform empowers stakeholders to overcome market barriers, support research work and to jointly make recommendations for policy measures.
This Platform increases visibility of innovative projects to a broad range of stakeholders. It is also foreseen to jointly organise dissemination and stakeholder events. By driving collaboration, raising synergies and making joint recommendations, the IWT Projects Cooperation Platform contributes to shaping the future of inland waterway transport.
Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General, Waterborne Technology Platform, said: “We welcome the establishment of the Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) Projects Cooperation Platform. The cooperation between the different projects in the field of inland waterway transport contributes to creating synergies, avoiding duplication of efforts and ultimately increases awareness and impact of the projects concerned. In addition, it offers a unique database of knowledge in terms of state-of-the-art of research and development initiatives, which in turn provides input to the Waterborne Technology Platform for updating our Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas. And last but not least, it clearly underlines the added value of cooperation, since only together we will be able to set course towards a resilient, competitive and sustainable future.”
Martin Quispel, Project Manager, Expertise Innovation Centre for Inland Barging (EICB), said “This unique platform serves as a one-stop-shop portal showcasing ongoing European projects in the field of research and innovation in inland waterway transport. As coordinator of the EU funded PLATINA4Action project, we are honoured to coordinate and support this valuable platform for the coming years and to work together with researchers across Europe. We very much welcome you to visit the website, follow the dedicated LinkedIn channel and to actively participate in shaping the future of the European inland navigation.”
WATERBORNE TP has been set up as an industry-oriented Technology Platform to establish a continuous dialogue between all waterborne stakeholders, such as classification societies, shipbuilders, shipowners, maritime equipment manufacturers, infrastructure and service providers, universities or research institutes, and with the EU Institutions, including Member States (www.waterborne.eu). The members of Waterborne TP comprise members as well as associated members from both maritime and inland navigation countries, representing about 18 Member States. In addition, the Associations member of the Waterborne Technology Platform represent the broader waterborne sector throughout the entire EU.
Enquiries concerning how to join and become more closely involved in the “Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport” partnership or other activities of the Waterborne TP can be sent to: Jaap Gebraad, Secretary General Waterborne TP, jaap.gebraad@waterborne.eu, tel: +32 493 835 626
SPB/EICB is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing inland navigation sustainability through decarbonization and emission reduction initiatives. The organization focuses on policy development, technological innovation, and implementation support. EICB facilitates knowledge sharing, promotes best practices, and fosters collaboration among industry stakeholders. EICB leads and contributes to multiple EU-funded initiatives, including PLATINA4Action, SYNERGETICS, RH2IWER, MAGPIE and Green Inland Ports. On national level EICB supports the execution of grant schemes (e.g. engine renewal, electrification) and organises the Innovation Lab in which stakeholders collaborate on the transition to zero-emission inland navigation.
