FOREMAST recently joined this year’s Danube Ports Days, an event organized by Pro Danube, the Danube Commission, and the EU-funded projects MultiRELOAD, Green Inland Ports, and Innovation Action SYNERGETICS, with support from the Danube Ports Network.
Held at the Danube Commission headquarters in Budapest, Hungary, on 29 and 30 October 2024, the two-day event brought together key actors in inland waterway transport (IWT) to discuss innovations in sustainability and port operations.
Representing FOREMAST, partners from Magellan Circle, presented the project in the exhibition area with a poster and informational flyers, offering attendees insights into FOREMAST’s dedication to address the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions in urban and coastal areas, with the aim to create a paradigm shift towards cleaner and more efficient logistics.
The event began with an engaging welcome from Manfred Seitz of the Danube Commission, setting a collaborative tone for the sessions. Dr. János Kerékgyártó, representing the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, gave an inspiring address on the strategic importance of the Danube region in fostering economic growth and sustainable transport. Róbert Rafael from Pro Danube then introduced the agenda, highlighting discussions around innovations and partnerships aimed at boosting the operational efficiency of Danube ports.
Attendees participated in sessions centered on the crucial role of ports in enabling a modal shift toward sustainable transport. Moderated by Jan-Christoph Maass from Duisport, Session I featured live demonstrations of innovative technologies, including a Multimodal Node Digital Twin and a Multimodal Corridor Digital Service from the Port of Switzerland.
A panel discussion followed, focusing on multimodal innovations with insights from experts representing the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and the Port of Vienna. The session highlighted the importance of inland ports, aligning with FOREMAST’s mission to enhance green mobility and operational efficiency in European waterways.
The second session further explored the modal shift in a user forum, where representatives from various terminals and logistics companies discussed how to improve multimodal connectivity and efficiency in the Danube region.
On the second day, discussions turned to emissions and digital innovations, both critical areas for FOREMAST’s objectives in fostering sustainable waterborne transport. Topics covered included environmental performance mapping for inland ports and approaches to greenhouse gas calculations, as well as the digital challenges that ports face today.
The final panel discussion evaluated strategies for meeting emissions targets, featuring insights from stakeholders across the maritime sector. In closing remarks, Pro Danube emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainability objectives, a principle central to FOREMAST’s own mission.
FOREMAST’s participation in Danube Ports Days underscored the project’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility and green innovation within inland waterways. By connecting with leading stakeholders and exploring pioneering ideas, FOREMAST remains at the forefront of advancing sustainable transport solutions
