The Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) Projects Cooperation Platform officially launched on 4 February 2025 as part of the Waterborne Days in Brussels.
The Platform provides a unique overview of a collaborative ecosystem of EU funded projects in the field of research, innovation and demonstration in IWT. It brings together 37 different complementary projects. Green Inland Ports is part of this unique platform.
As a hub for European research, development and innovation projects, the Platform provides information on the ongoing projects. It also creates an environment where project coordinators and consortia connect, share insights and best practices, and strategically align their objectives. It addresses critical industry needs, such as deployment of zero-emission technologies, improving digitalisation, ensuring climate resilient infrastructure, enhancing logistics and a quality workforce. By providing a common space, the platform empowers stakeholders to overcome market barriers, support research work and to jointly make recommendations for policy measures.
Logos of projects which are part of the IWT Cooperation Platform
This platform increases the visibility of innovative projects to a broad range of stakeholders. It is also foreseen to jointly organise dissemination and stakeholder events. By driving collaboration, creating synergies and making joint recommendations, the IWT Projects Cooperation Platform contributes to shaping the future of inland waterway transport.
Jasper Tanis, Project Coordinator at Ecorys, explained the role of Green Inland Ports in more detail, noting that ‘Green Inland Ports is an action of NAIADES III which calls for the most sustainable inland ports to become the norm and to enable more sustainable forms of connectivity. Green Inland Ports will develop practical, hands-on Environmental and Sustainable Management Systems (ESMS) together with and for inland ports, creating a future-proof standard for environmental sustainable port management and operations. Our project is very honoured to be part of the IWT Projects Cooperation Platform. We are looking forward to enhancing our cooperation with relevant Research & Innovation projects through the platform as we will jointly increase the impact of our guidance for the IWT and inland ports sector towards becoming more sustainable and more competitive.’