Fascinating Read! Our recent article delves into the indispensable role of ports in shaping a resilient, sustainable, and smart logistics network. As pivotal connectors across diverse transportation modes, ports emerge as key facilitators for the smooth movement of cargo in the worldwide distribution of goods.

Beyond their conventional function as transshipment hubs, the article envisions a transformative future for ports. They are set to become epicenters of innovation, taking a bold step towards integrating renewable energy solutions. This forward-looking perspective not only underscores the adaptability of these inland and maritime gateways but also emphasises their potential to drive positive change in the broader context of environmental sustainability.

A must-read for anyone passionate about the future of ports!

The article is available for download here.

In the dynamic world of inland waterway transport and port development, the annual Danube Ports Days event, initiated by Pro Danube in the frame of DAPhNE and further strengthened through DIONYSUS, has become a cornerstone for fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of inland ports along the Danube and well beyond.

A Tradition of Excellence

Each edition of the event has become a well-established tradition - an occasion eagerly awaited by professionals, enthusiasts, and experts alike. The series of events focused on a range of themes, including infrastructure enhancement, technological innovation, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks.

Diverse Perspectives, Comprehensive Understanding

By bringing together a diverse array of perspectives, the Danube Ports Days foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of inland waterway transport in general with a special focus on port development issues.

Collaboration in Action

This year's hybrid event, a collaborative effort by Pro Danube, the EU-funded Green Inland Ports Study, MultiRELOAD, Innovation Action SYNERGETICS projects, and with support from the Danube Ports Network, was a resounding success. The two-day event, held on 23 and 24 November in Vienna, provided a unique platform for participants to explore innovative tools and solutions geared towards achieving green objectives, sharing experiences, addressing common challenges, and staying updated on the latest industry developments. With a specific focus on the European Green Deal, the Danube Ports Days aimed to facilitate collaboration between public and private entities, fostering know-how sharing and feedback collection in pursuit of the ambitious climate targets enshrined in the European Green Deal.

Missed the Event? No Problem

We're delighted to announce that the presentations and recordings from this groundbreaking event are available for download here. Dive into the wealth of insights and expertise shared at Danube Ports Days 2023 here. THANK YOU to all contributors, partners, and attendees for making Danube Ports Days a cornerstone in shaping the future of inland waterway transport!

Multimodal transportation solutions are the most promising facete for the future of the entire IWT sector. Imagine the endless possibilities if the sector could provide consolidation services with a minimum order size of one single unit, from door to door and the main distance transported by a vessel.

Watch our short video and learn more about our concept:

Volumes of the EU freight transport sector is expected to increase by 80% until 2050. To absorb this growth, enlargement of the existing road network or building of new highways shall be avoided as long as we have free capacities on the inland waterways.

Currently the transportation chain by inland vessel is characterized by having mainly one seller - one buyer - one product - transported by one vessel. To use inland waterways to its maximum, IWT must become much more accessible for small and midsize customers, which would never be able to send a shipload of at least 1000 tonnes. Therefore, the sector needs new ideas which can turn it into a multimodal system, making it accessible for 20, 50 or 100 tonnes shipments.

Connecting multiple sellers and buyers and the usage of multimodal equipment will create a win-win situation for carriers and shippers, creating new business models for fertilizer, grains or even the general freight transport industry. Transshipments would be less affected by negative externalities, therefore, cargo loss, low water surcharges or interim storage costs could be reduced significantly, and cycle time would become more predictable. By introducing multimodal solutions for the transport of any cargo, as long as it is containerized, the EU could get closer to achieve its green objectives, hence, it will be able to reach the target of increasing the sector volumes by 25% till 2030 and respectively by 50% until 2050.