On 8th October 2024, the Danube Commission and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region Priority Area 1a convened a joint workshop to discuss the formulation of a roadmap and the requisite actions to achieve a zero-emission Danube fleet. The meeting was met with considerable interest, with nearly 100 attendees present in person and online.

The event provided the optimal opportunity for SYNERGETICS to present the outcomes of its initial 18 months of existence to the representatives of the Danube fleet operators and the representatives of all Danube States at the level of navigation authorities and of other organisational units responsible for the decarbonisation of the Danube fleet.

In his presentation, entitled “Overview of technically available promising zero-emission solutions for European inland navigation”, Benjamin Friedhoff of SYNERGETICS partner DST provided a comprehensive overview of the zero-emission solutions for the IWT, emphasising the benefits, disadvantages and challenges associated with each of them.

Utilising the SYNERGETICS Pilot Database as a point of departure and taking into account the evolution of the greening pilots, an analysis of the observed trends has been conducted, outlining the projected evolution of greening technologies up to 2050.

The presentation was met with considerable enthusiasm, stimulating both formal and informal discussions.

Further details regarding this event and the complete list of presentations can be accessed here.