Project summary

Shared access should improve the accessibility of the regions, strengthen interoperability between deep-sea and inland waterways, as well as the connection to the hinterland. Together with increasing awareness of the possibilities of intermodal transport, this will lead to existing and new freight flows being shifted to environmentally friendly transport systems.

At present, the potential of waterways is limited due to existing infrastructure as well as non-transparent and inefficiently used services. In addition to the known infrastructural bottlenecks, the project is looking for innovative solutions that make it possible to make better use of the transport system by intensifying the exchange of information and improving communication between the players at the intermodal interfaces.

Cooperation alone will not lead to the desired result. It also requires a solid foundation of information (potential analysis, road map), preparation (project list and funding guideline), focus (joint vision, cooperation strategy) and support (cooperation platform that extends beyond the duration of the project).

The specific objectives of the project were:

• to create a cooperation basis on which the relevant stakeholders work together towards the development of the DBS Gateway Region;
• by increasing the attractiveness of inland waterway transport, to create a basis on which the region can take on and continue its envisaged role as a DBS Gateway Region;
• to strengthen cooperation between relevant stakeholders with an institutional platform so that the DBS Gateway Region can continue to be developed after the end of the project.

Results and impact

Various strategies and plans were developed on the basis of these goals:

• Potential analysis: The potential analysis forms the basis for the Joint Vision 2040 and provides an overview of existing and future market potential. Relevant information from existing studies is compiled and harmonized in terms of indicators, timeliness and data quality. The analysis is based on the results of projects such as DaHar, GIFT, INWAPO, ADB, EMPIRIC and others.
• Shared Vision 2040: The Shared Vision 2040 is based on the potential analysis and describes the desired economic, regional and logistical development for the DBS Gateway Region. It is an ambitious description of what the region would like to achieve or accomplish in the medium or long-term future. It serves as a guideline for the selection of current and future options for action.
• Roadmap: The roadmap consists of measures that are suitable for achieving the Shared Vision 2040 and aims to make the DBS Gateway Region an attractive gateway region for maritime and inland waterway transport. It is a basis for future cooperation and increasing the attractiveness of the water transport system.
• Regional action plans: Each participating region works on concrete measures that are suitable for overcoming the respective challenges and achieving the standards set out in the roadmap. For each measure, timetables, responsibilities and the necessary steps to be taken are defined.
• Cooperation platform: The cooperation platform will ensure long-term commitment, continuous promotion and active engagement for the adoption of project recommendations after project completion. The platform will ensure the transferability of the know-how acquired during the project through training and monitor the implementation of the projects. It will facilitate the financing of necessary activities within the roadmap, ensure the durability and sustainability of the project results through an online interface and promote further development steps towards the realization of the common Vision 2040.