DIWA Masterplan: steering inland waterway transport into the digital future
Inland waterway transport plays a key role in the transport of goods within Europe. This mode of transport has many advantages: it is safer, more environmentally friendly and frees up road capacity.
The aim of DIWA Masterplan was to further digitalise inland waterway transport and integrate it more fully into the European logistics system.
Prioritising inland waterway transport in Europe
The many benefits of inland waterway transport deserve a spotlight on the European transport sector stage. Digitalisation could deliver a future where this form of navigation becomes more accessible, easier to manage and seamlessly integrated into the larger transport ecosystem. The digitalisation of inland navigation will also reshape the logistics sector into a more flexible entity with more transport options. Digitalisation also aligns with the Digital Single Market Strategy, echoing the EU’s policy to digitalise the market wherever possible.
Masterplan: laying the digital infrastructure for Europe’s inland waterways
The project Masterplan DIWA has resulted in a vision, several sub task reports, and an overall Masterplan report, including a roadmap. The roadmap of the DIWA Masterplan aims at achieving the overall objectives of digital transformation defined in European strategies. The objectives include “safe and efficient navigation”, the “digital by default” principle, “synchromodal transports”, “reliable supply chains”, as well as creating a sustainable, green transport sector adapted to climate change and the adaptation to existing staff-shortages.
The Masterplan DIWA project focusses on three areas for actions: Synchromodality, Connected Information Services, and Smart Shipping. The roadmap emphasizes important aspects such as cybersecurity, standardisation, and legislation, to ensure a safe and harmonised transition to the digital future of inland shipping transport. The project has delivered a comprehensive vision and strategy for digital transformation, the roadmap, which is backed by the 5 waterway agencies and consisting of over 100 detailed measures ready for implementation. The masterplan is used by the 5 waterway agencies to enhance their digitalisation strategy and to plan further digitalisation actions in the upcoming years.
Masterplan: shaping policies and setting standards
By improving waterway transport, the Masterplan has the potential to influence EU policy and serve as a blueprint for other stakeholders committed to digitalising inland navigation. The Masterplan DIWA is used by the DIVINE initiative.
The Masterplan DIWA approach has proven a safe, regulated, and harmonised journey into the digital future of inland waterway transport.
Project period
2019-2023
European programme
Partners
De Vlaamse Waterweg,Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie, Voies navigables de France, opérateur national de l'ambition fluviale - VNF
