Platina To Boost Inland Waterway Transport

摘要

The European Commission launched the PLATINA project, financed under the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development, on 1 October. The project aims to facilitate implementation of the NAIADES programme for the promotion of inland waterway transport. Funded to the tune of €8.5 million, the project brings together 22 partners from nine European countries, including Austria's Via Donau (coordinator), Voies navigables de France, Bundesverband der Deutschen Binnenschiffahrt (Germany), Promotie Binnenvaart Vlaanderen (Belgium) and Rijkswaterstaat (Netherlands). The PLATINA platform provides technical assistance for actions under the NAIADES programme, such as the development of a single portal for online information services on inland navigation. It will also provide follow-up for a study on administrative and regulatory obstacles to this type of transport. The Commission has also presented a guide to funding opportunities in inland waterway transport. (ISM)