Towards better maintenance and service on EU waterways

21 March 2016

The new TEN-T regulation contains the requirement of achieving ‘Good Navigation Status’ on all class ≥ IV waterways by 2030. Class ≥ IV waterways are major or international waterways which are accessible to international inland shipping.

INE recommended the European Parliament to add this to ensure that existing infrastructure remains in good shape and is well-serviced to avoid newly emerging and costly bottlenecks.

There is however no precise definition in the regulation.

The Commission asked experts, including INE, to substantiate by end 2017 the concept of ‘Good Navigation Status’ in cooperation with all relevant public and private experts including Member States, river commissions and transport users.

The final aim is to ensure swift transport across EU waterways thanks to good maintenance and high-quality service levels for information and operation.