The Platform for the implementation of a future inland navigation action programme PLATINA3 has officially kicked-off. This project aims to improve impact and broadening stakeholder engagement in support of transport research and innovation under the EU Horizon 2020 programme. For a period of 30 months the project partners provide targeted coordination and support activities to promote Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) in Europe.

“PLATINA3 brings experts and stakeholders together in Europe to build the bridge towards future research, innovation and implementation needs within the European inland waterway sector” says project coordinator Martin Quispel (senior expert, EICB). “A key objective is providing the knowledge base for the implementation of the EU Green Deal in view of further development of the European Commissions’ inland waterway transport action programme NAIADES III for the years 2021-2027.”

Experts in support of IWT success

PLATINA3 therefore addresses four priority topics for the success of IWT: (1) integration and digitalization of IWT in view of modal shift and synchro modality, (2) zero emission, automated and climate resilient fleet, (3) skilled workforce anticipating to zero-emission & automation, and (4) smart & climate resilient waterway and port infrastructure with clean energy hubs.

PLATINA3 is structured around thematic fields Market, Fleet, Jobs & Skills and Infrastructure. Key experts and stakeholders are consortium partners ensuring required expertise and support: IWT sector and shippers (IWT Platform, BLN, ESC), member states and river commissions (CCNR, DC), waterway administrations (INE, viadonau), education institutes (STC, MAH), Waterborne TP (Sea Europe), workers (ETF), expertise centres (PDM and EICB).

The Budapest sessions

“The PLATINA3 platform is a catalyst for awareness, stakeholder engagement and uptake of outcomes from related national and European projects and initiatives. PLATINA3 consolidates their findings, assesses their impacts and gaps,” explains Quispel. Desk research and dialogues with experts and stakeholders lead subsequently to policy and R&D roadmaps and implementation plans.

“We will organise interactive workshops, consultations and envisage a series of six international meetings, called the PLATINA3 Stage events. These Stage events will give targeted input to, amongst others, the Horizon Europe programme. The first Stage event is scheduled for April 7^th and 8^th. This will be online due to COVID restrictions but still named the Budapest sessions since the Danube Commission will be hosting. The 2^nd Stage event is planned to take place on 19^th and 20^th of October in Strasbourg, where we can hopefully meet each other in person: save the dates!”

Addressing key challenges

"The Danube Commission is pleased to host Stage 1 of PLATINA3. As host we want to facilitate an intensive exchange of information and experiences on issues essential for the further development of IWT in Europe”, says Manfred Seitz, General Director of the Secretariat of the Danube Commission. “Of course, we are particularly concerned to ensure that stakeholders from the Danube region, both from EU member states and from third countries, get involved in the work of PLATINA3 as much as possible".

"Together with our partners, we have prepared a great program with keynote speeches by the newly-elected President of the Danube Commission, high-ranking representatives of the European Commission and from the Danube countries, members of the European Parliament and from the business community. The opening session will be followed by thematic sessions addressing key challenges and opportunities in inland navigation: the transition to zero-emission shipping, the integration of inland navigation into supply chains, and smart waterways and autonomous navigation".

“The Budapest sessions will provide a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and policy makers and learn about the latest developments. We hope to meet you virtually in Budapest!”, he concludes.

Registration and more information at www.platina3.eu/budapest

The event is limited to 200 participants.