Rhine-Alpine News
16.06.2021
Germany’s new master plan for recreational boating
Andreas Scheuer, German federal minister of transport, supports recreational boating. Photo: BMVI
Andreas Scheuer, German federal minister of transport, has presented the “Masterplan Freizeitschifffahrt”, a new plan for supporting recreational boating. On much of the extensive German inland waterway network, these activities make for most or all traffic. They are a non-neglectible part of inland tourism that is expected and actually encouraged to grow significantly in the coming years.
In its wider sense, recreational boating includes not only small private boats, but also trips on passenger and cruise ships. This makes for a rather big industry along the Rhine, although the river’s high-volume cargo traffic remains dominant. Getting passenger and tourism services into view may result in additional chances for infrastructure investments on rivers and canals. Find the details here (external link, German language).
New fleet of 40 shallow draft tankers for the Rhine
Launching ceremony of new barge. Photo: Concordia Damen
The first of 40 inland waterway barges that are being built by Concordia Damen has been launched at the casco yard in Serbia and reached Rotterdam on 14 June for completion. Concordia Damen signed the contract for the environmentally friendly vessels late last year.
The vessels, known as the Parsifal Tankers, will be chartered by Shell and operated by the VT Group/Marlow. The vessels will be 110 x 11.45 metres and will feature low emission LNG propulsion and extreme shallow draft capabilities. They will carry mineral oils between Antwerp, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Rhine network. The VT Group is specialised in the inland shipping of minerals, chemical products, bio fuels and lubricants. Concordia Damen CEO Chris Kornet said, “The Parsifal Tankers represent a new generation of eco-conscious vessels that will play a significant role in the maritime energy transition.”
JOB VACANCY: Director Rhine-Alpine EGTC
The Interregional Alliance for the Rhine-Alpine Corridor EGTC is offering the position of the Director from 1 January 2022.
We are looking for a dynamic person to fill this demanding and thrilling function, and who will continue our successful cooperation in the Rhine-Alpine EGTC with fresh ideas and a strong vision for the future development of our Corridor.
For more information, please check this link.
Rhine-Alpine Talks: Increase rail’s share in the corridor
To mark the European Year of Rail, the Interregional Alliance for the Rhine-Alpine Corridor EGTC invites to its next Rhine-Alpine Talk to debate on how to increase rail’s share in transporting people and goods in the Rhine-Alpine Corridor? The virtual event will be held on 25 June 2021 from 11:00 – 12:30 h. The rail as the backbone of our corridor will be in focus of the contributions of high-level representatives from European, national and regional level. They will highlight their vision and projects for the future of rail transport from their particular perspectives.
Please find the programme here and register here to receive your individual access link