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Brussels, |
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Vessels
The EU supports the modernisation, safety, and interoperability of vessels operating on Europe’s inland waterways as part of its NAIADES III and sustainable transport strategies. Ensuring uniform standards across the EU helps promote greener, safer and more efficient freight movement along rivers and canals.
Key Regulation:
Directive (EU) 2016/1629, in force since 6 October 2016, and applicable from 7 October 2018, sets harmonised technical requirements for all inland waterway vessels in the EU.
Main objectives:
Technical Standards:
The Directive refers to the European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels (ES-TRIN). These standards are developed by:
CESNI – European Committee for drawing up Standards in Inland Navigation
They are jointly recognised by the EU and the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR), ensuring full mutual validity of certificates on both EU inland waterways and the Rhine.
EU-Wide Data System
The European Hull Database (EHDB) ensures transparent, up-to-date information about all certified inland vessels, accessible by national authorities for enforcement and compliance.
Recognised Classification Societies
According to Article 21 of the Directive, inland waterway vessel certificates may be issued in cooperation with recognised classification bodies:
Article 21(4) – Recognised Societies:
Derogations and Flexibility
Member States may request limited derogations for specific cases. Example:
Part of a Green & Digital Strategy
This vessel regulation is a cornerstone of the broader push toward zero-emission inland shipping, supported through funding under:
Key Regulation:
Directive (EU) 2016/1629, in force since 6 October 2016, and applicable from 7 October 2018, sets harmonised technical requirements for all inland waterway vessels in the EU.
Main objectives:
- Uniform inland navigation certificates valid across the EU
- Simplified and standardised technical rules
- High safety levels and a deeper EU internal transport market
Technical Standards:
The Directive refers to the European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels (ES-TRIN). These standards are developed by:
CESNI – European Committee for drawing up Standards in Inland Navigation
They are jointly recognised by the EU and the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR), ensuring full mutual validity of certificates on both EU inland waterways and the Rhine.
EU-Wide Data System
The European Hull Database (EHDB) ensures transparent, up-to-date information about all certified inland vessels, accessible by national authorities for enforcement and compliance.
Recognised Classification Societies
According to Article 21 of the Directive, inland waterway vessel certificates may be issued in cooperation with recognised classification bodies:
Article 21(4) – Recognised Societies:
- Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore SAS
- Lloyd’s Register EMEA
- Italian Register of Shipping
- Polish Register of Shipping
- DNV GL AS
- Croatian Register of Shipping
Derogations and Flexibility
Member States may request limited derogations for specific cases. Example:
- Germany was granted a derogation for two passenger vessels (Innogy and Alsterwasser) under
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/980
Part of a Green & Digital Strategy
This vessel regulation is a cornerstone of the broader push toward zero-emission inland shipping, supported through funding under:
