Rhine-Alpine News
22.01.2025
Call for Papers European Transport Conference 2025

Symbolic picture by ShafinProtic on Pixabay
The European Transport Conference 2025 will be held in Antwerpen, Flanders, Belgium from 17 – 19 September 2025.
The European Transport Conference (ETC) 2025 Rail Policy and Planning (RPP) Programme Committee is soliciting abstracts on a wide range of rail-related topics, reflecting the current challenges and opportunities in the sector. Key areas of interest include:
Climate Change and Sustainability
- Decarbonisation strategies for rail transport
- Alternative fuels for trains, including battery-powered locomotives
- Rail’s role in achieving European Green Deal objectives
Technological Advancements
- Artificial intelligence applications in rail operations
- Electric mobility solutions for rail
- Innovations in passenger information systems and ticketing
Policy and Planning
- European rail policies and reform initiatives
- Devolution in decision-making processes
- Balancing subsidies with attractive ticketing strategies
- Efficient planning and operations
Passenger Experience
- Improving cross-border journeys
- Managing crowding in trains and stations
- Enhancing wayfinding for passengers
- Rail’s role in seamless travel chains
Future Trends
- Projected rail transport patterns
- Rail’s impact on European tourism
- Best mix of investments for boosting passenger and freight rail traffic
The committee also welcomes abstracts on other rail-related topics or current work that would be of interest to an international audience. This call for papers aims to gather insights and research that will shape the future of rail transport in Europe, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and improved passenger experiences.
Questions can be sent to Endemann@region-frankfurt.de.
Please click on the link below to submit an abstract, until the 7th of February.
Source:
Association for European Transport
AET Abstract Submission Portal
IWT Automatisation: Insurers demand clearer legal framework

Symbolic picture by Geralt on Pixabay
In inland shipping, the future of automated driving is gaining momentum, but there is a lack of clear regulations. Transport insurers are ready to insure automated waterway vessels, despite the risks being barely known.
However, there is no clear legal framework for international inland shipping. The German Insurance Association (GDV) is advocating for solutions in three areas: standards for navigability, data transparency, and clear responsibilities. The aim is to ensure a level of safety equivalent to conventional inland vessels. This requires a common understanding of the conditions under which an automated ship can sail, including crew requirements, communication, sensors, navigation, and safety technology. The sailing data of approved ships must be available to insurers in a standardised format and in real time. It must be clear who is responsible for operating the ship and when.
Source(in German):
New Genoa dam, sixth caisson laid

Picture by Ports of Genoa
The sixth caisson of the new breakwater in Genoa has been completed, with over 400 people working on the project. The sixth module, built at the Vado Ligure fabrication plant, is joined to the five caissons already filled using specialized techniques. The caissons rest on a solid, submerged basement, and the superstructure will be built on it.
The construction of submerged gravel columns is also underway, with approximately 17,800 completet to date. A fleet of vehicles is used to compact soils with the specific required characteristics off the port of Genoa. The new maritime infrastructure will make Genoa’s port more accessible for ships up to 400 meters in length, maintaining its global competitiveness and role as a strategic logistic node in the Mediterranean.
Source(in Italian):