In topic MG-2.3-2016: New and improved transport concepts in waterborne transport the specific challenge was defined as:
“Bringing waterborne much deeper into multi-modal transport concepts, in particular to the benefit of domestic shipping and inland navigation in the EU is a necessity. The specific challenges are to overcome the traditional barriers between transport modes; to work on the greening, expansion and optimisation of the entire (waterborne) transport chain, including in the urban environment; and to contribute to the EU´s energy union through new energy transportation concepts for natural gas (in particular in short sea trades), including discharging and safety considerations. Short sea, river and canal transport can offer particular opportunities for automation (in terms of operations as well as maintenance) that can improve safety and address current employment challenges and the competitiveness of SMEs in the sector. European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) services can play an important role in this.
The NOVIMAR work structure contains 7 work packages dedicated to: the transport system, impact assessment, navigation and control, cargo systems and vessel design, safety and human skills issues, dissemination and market uptake and project management.
The consortium contains 22 partners : logistic operators, industry, public bodies and research organisations from seven EU and two associated countries.
The project runs in the period 1st June 2017 – 1st June 2021.
The project is coordinated by Netherlands Maritime Technology, chairing the General Assembly and the Steering Committee. The General Assembly is the main decision-making body comprising representatives of all NOVIMAR partners. The Steering Committee is the principal management advisory body supporting the General Assembly and the Coordinator.The work packages are managed by work package leaders.
The project is supported by an external advisory board, the Stakeholders Group.
