Increasing the Attractiveness of Inland Waterway Transport with E-Transport River Information Services

Abstract

Inland navigation must enhance its service quality to gain from the increasing transport demand in Europe. This requires the provision of reliable fairway conditions and innovative information services. Telematics services to support traffic and transport management [River Information Services (RIS)] will improve the information processes of inland navigation. RIS provide fairway users and authorities with geographical, hydrographical, and regulatory information supported by standardized electronic navigational charts. Temporary restrictions of fairways are published by means of language-independent notices to skippers. Transportation of dangerous cargo is announced electronically, which enables authorities to be prepared for disasters. Vessel tracking and tracing enhance lock, bridge, and terminal management as well as law enforcement. In addition to these basic services, e-transport applications provide advanced services for governmental and commercial users. To promote the harmonized implementation of RIS, the European Union established a legal framework in September 2005. The framework comprises binding rules for onboard equipment and data exchange as well as minimum requirements for future RIS implementations. Austria will be the first country to comply with this legislation. The Austrian RIS system provides electronic navigational charts, including water depth data and notices to skippers, electronically. Inland automatic identification system transponders are used for vessel tracking and tracing, and electronic reporting of dangerous cargo is possible electronically. The full implementation of RIS on the Danube (nine countries, 2,400 km) is expected in 2008. This will improve safety, efficiency, and the environmental friendliness of inland navigation and will contribute toward modal shift.