Overview of the project's progress

The main objective of the GRENDEL project is to provide proactive support to public authorities and the Danube vessel operators in the challenging modernisation process of the existing fleet.

Developing innovative financial instruments at the transnational level (Model State Aid Scheme) is a major prerequisite in the overall implementation process of the project. During the last 6 months, important steps forward, bringing together representatives of state authorities and the industry, were registered in this regard.

publication of the first technological factsheets

As one of the main objectives of the GRENDEL project is to raise the environmental performance of Danube inland vessels and to fully integrate them in the transnational transport and logistics chains, a series of factsheets providing basic information on innovative technologies was recently released.

The factsheets, elaborated in cooperation with INDanube, address the following fleet modernisation aspects:

• Gas and Gas-Electric Propulsion
• Diesel Electric Propulsion
• After-Treatment

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First Know-How Transfer Event on Modernisation of Danube Vessels Fleet organised in Vienna

Modernising the Danube fleet is one of the main objectives of the GRENDEL project. Therefore, the aim of this event was to bring together vessel operators from the Danube region with innovation experts and suppliers.

Increasing the knowledge among Danube IWT stakeholders about greening technologies that meet the strict requirements of the Non-Road Mobile Machinery Regulation is a major precondition in the successful modernisation process of the Danube fleet. Furthermore, transferring knowledge to vessel operators is a vital prerequisite for decisions directly linked to financing the modernisation of a fleet that urgently needs comprehensive investments in order to be able to compete with other modes of transport.

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PA 1A Working Group Meeting on Fleet Modernisation

The event was organised on 7 March and preceded the GRENDEL Know-How Transfer Event. The main objective was to bring together representatives of the industry and responsible state authorities to discuss the challenges stakeholders have to face in light of the strict emission norms and regulations stipulated by European legislation.

Even though IWT is by far the most environmental-friendly transport mode, the long lifetime of inland vessels compared to road vehicles results in a slow uptake of innovative technologies in the overall design and development of fleet engines. Furthermore, the relatively small market and the high investment costs pose other specific challenges that the industry has to face. Hence, installing a harmonised funding scheme at the level of the Danube region has the potential to significantly strengthen the stakeholders' capacity and willingness to invest. Furthermore, most of the states of the Danube region have the unique opportunity to finance a tailored State Aid Scheme on fleet modernisation through the Cohesion Fund.

first public consultation and first State Aid workshop held at the Danube Commission in Budapest

The Danube Commission hosted on 26 March 2019 two major events in the framework of the GRENDEL project. Whereas the topics of the first public consultation evolved around the CESNI and the Danube Commission’s work programme related to technological and educational standards, the aim of the workshop was to gather first-hand inputs from stakeholders and the responsible state authorities in the elaboration process of a harmonised State Aid Scheme at transnational level (“Model State Aid Scheme”).

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Overview of the vessel concepts developed in the framework of the GRENDEL project

As the project advances also Activity 4.1 – Individual advanced vessel concepts & energy efficient navigation – is stepping up the pace.

The partners involved in this Activity are currently preparing technical studies with a view to exploring possibilities for improving the environmental performance of inland navigation. These concepts will be based on diligently selected “pilot” vessels so that the results of the studies can be rolled out to the respective fleets with as little need for individual adaptation as possible.

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