Illustration: © GeoNames, TomTom, Microsoft edited by viadonau
FAIRway Danube II is a transnational project with the involvement of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania that aims to increase the fairway conditions on the Danube and make inland navigation more climate resilient, sustainable and attractive.
The project will be realised between April 2023 and December 2027.
Project Background
FAIRway Danube II is a follow-up project of the CEF flagship FAIRway Danube (www.fairwaydanube.eu) that already significantly increased the knowledge on shallow sections and drafting of rehabilitation measures. Moreover, the FAIRway project includes the ongoing Preparing FAIRway 2 works and FAIRway works! that are also improving infrastructure and monitoring systems on the Danube.
FAIRway Danube II, valued at 70 million euros (47 million euros EU funding), officially approved by the EU in June 2023, will continue the successful course in terms of fairway modernization along the Danube for the coming years.
Goals and Activities
Good Navigation Status
Establish Fixed and Mobile Sensors for Measuring the Good Navigation Status (GNS)
Foto: © viadonau/Zinner
FAIRway Danube II aims to ensure the Good Navigation Status (GNS) of the transnational waterway Danube. The Good Navigation Status is crucial for safe and efficient navigation, covering factors like water levels, fairway depths, and bridge clearance. To gather even more information on the fairway conditions on the Danube, advanced fixed and mobile sensors, system upgrades, and cutting-edge tools will be deployed.
Our Initiatives:
- Establishment of Fixed Sensors for GNS Monitoring:
- Upgrading sensors at 19 gauging stations. (BG, RO)
- Deployment of 183 buoys with advanced sensors. (HR, RO)
- Installing 11 sensors for vertical bridge clearance. (HU, RO)
- Establishment of Mobile Sensors for GNS Monitoring:
- Introducing 3 new surveying vessels. (HU, RO)
- Upgrading sensors for 8 existing surveying vessels. (SK, HU, HR, BG, RO)
- Incorporating 4 aquatic drones. (HU, HR, RO)
- Deployment of 2 aeronautical drones. (HR, RO)
Our main goal is to enhance the navigability of the transnational waterway Danube by improving accuracy in fairway depth, water level, and bridge clearance. This ensures a safe and efficient passage for vessels. Moreover, the accuracy of water-level forecasts will be improved as part of the FAIRway Danube II.
Waterway Management
Upgrade of the National Waterway Management Systems (WAMS) & the Transnational Waterway Monitoring System (WAMOS 2.0)
Screenshot: © viadonau/WAMOS
Efficient and safe navigation along the Danube relies on robust information gathering and processing. The national WAterway Management Systems (WAMS) and the trans-national WAterway MOnitoring System (WAMOS) are the key information hubs for consolidating data and information concerning Good Navigations Status (GNS) along the Danube.
WAMS
Functioning as the backbone for national waterway management the national WAMS collect data from various sources. Under FAIRway Danube II, participating countries upgrade their national systems. This enhancement integrates data from fixed and mobile sensors, as well as external sources, crucial for critical decision-making on national level. As a further step towards harmonised data along the Danube the newly national data will also be feed into the transnational WAterway MOnitoring System (WAMOS).
WAMOS
The trans-national WAMOS collects hydrological and hydrographical data from the riparian Danube Waterway Administrations in one system. It offers a harmonized display and quality of the data along the entire Danube from the border of Germany and Austria to the Black Sea. At the moment WAMOS provides data on river morphology in bottlenecks, fairway availability statistics, water-levels and hydrological conditions.
The upgrade to WAMOS 2.0 in FAIRway Danube II represents a step forward in transnational waterway management for enhanced navigational safety and efficiency.
The upgrade of the WAMS’s and the enhancement of WAMOS 2.0 will improve the information access and planning reliability for all users on the Danube. All these initiatives actively contribute to attractiveness of inland shipping as a climate-friendly mode of transport.
Water-Level Forecast
Advancing Planning Reliability: Extended Water-Level Forecast
Screenshot: © viadonau/DoRIS
Water-level forecasts play a pivotal role in logistical decision-making. The dynamic impact of climate change has accelerated water-level fluctuations, emphasizing the need for an extended lead-time to enhance planning reliability. As part of FAIRway Danube II Water-Level Forecast will be enhanced.
- Austria and Hungary:
Extension of the lead time to 6 days.
- Romania and Bulgaria:
Extension of the lead time to 7 days.
A feasibility study is underway in collaboration with Austria (AT), Hungary (HU), and Romania (RO) to assess the viability of introducing a midterm forecast extending up to 6 weeks. This ambitious initiative aims to further enhance planning capabilities and adapt to the evolving challenges posed by climate change.
Significance of Extended Water-Level Forecast:
Improved Logistics Decision-Making and Planning Reliability: Logistics operators heavily rely on water-level forecasts for loading decisions. With an extended lead-time, operators can make more informed and strategic choices, optimizing their logistics operations. This translates to smoother and more efficient transportation of goods.
Climate Change Adaptation: The accelerated changes in water levels due to climate change necessitate proactive measures. The extended forecast lead-time allows for better preparation and adaptability to dynamic environmental conditions, e.g. by flexible infrastructure elements that increase the fairway depth and can be installed before a projected low water period.
Climate Resilience
Innovative Solutions for Enhanced Climate Resilience: Pilot Projects for Flexible Infrastructure Elements
Graphic: © viadonau
The free-flowing sections of the Danube, known for their dynamic nature, experience ongoing erosion and sedimentation. Innovative methods have been developed to complement traditional river engineering tools. These methods include changes in sediment management, transporting dredged material upstream, and the creation of artificial islands to increase velocity in shallow sections, providing ecological benefits simultaneously.
However, longer low water periods due to climate change, bring a new challenge for dealing with shallow sections of the Danube. Within the framework of FAIRway Danube II we are pleased to carry out pilot tests for flexible infrastructure elements in shallow sections in the Danube. This innovative approach offers a non-invasive, near natural solution for low water periods, promising an increase in fairway depth.
Based on a technique already used in 1890 the modern interpretation of the flexible infrastructure elements is very promising and will contribute to a more resilient Danube in the future.
The implementation of these projects across Austria, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria marks a significant step toward achieving sustainable and adaptable waterway management.
Key Objectives and Benefits:
Climate Change Resilience: The flexibility inherent in these infrastructure elements is designed to adapt to the dynamic challenges posed by climate change. This ensures a robust and resilient system capable of withstanding fluctuations in water levels.
Near Natural Solution: The innovative approach focuses on non-invasive, near natural solutions, minimizing the impact on habitats and ecosystems.
Increased Fairway Depth: Anticipated benefits include an enhancement of fairway depth during low water periods, contributing to improved navigational reliability and predictability.
Mooring Places
Enhancing Safety and Sustainability: Upgrade of Mooring Places in Austria and Romania
Foto: © viadonau
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving waterway infrastructure on the Danube, we are undertaking a significant upgrade of existing mooring places in Austria and Romania. This initiative aims to enhance the overall quality of these vital infrastructures, focusing on the safety and mobility of crews. Additionally, a strong emphasis will be placed on integrating green energy solutions for shore-power at each mooring place, contributing to our commitment to sustainable practices.
Mooring Place Upgrades in Austria and Romania:
- Port Basarabi – Romania
- Port Medgidia - Romania
- two locations in Aschach - Austria
- Hafen Krems - Austria
- two locations in Vienna - Austria
Benefits of Upgrades:
- Improved Safety: Enhancing safety during mooring, embarking, and disembarking operations.
- Environmental Integration: Contributing to enhanced environmental protection and integration.
- Secure Mobility: Ensuring increased and secure mobility for vessels.
- Access to Crucial Services: Facilitating access to crucial services in the event of repairs and emergencies.
These upgrades represent a significant step forward modernizing and enhancing the transnational waterway Danube. As we continue to prioritize safety, sustainability and efficiency, these improvements create a more resilient and environmentally friendly waterway infrastructure.
Future Investments
Expanding Mooring Capacities: Future Investments in Austria, Slovakia, and Croatia
Moreover, we are preparing for additional investments in mooring places across Austria, Slovakia, and Croatia. This strategic initiative aims to upgrade existing infrastructure and facilitate the establishment of new and additional mooring places in these key regions.
Key Components of the Studies:
Documentation Preparation:
Initiating the preparation of documentation for upgrading mooring operation infrastructure.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
Engaging in discussions with relevant stakeholders to align plans and gather valuable insights. Addressing concerns and considerations to ensure the harmonious integration of mooring places.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
Evaluating the need for Environmental Impact Assessment at indicatively pre-selected locations.
Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and fostering sustainable practices.
Comprehensive Study:
Conducting a comprehensive study to serve as the foundation for permit requests. This includes elements such as a feasibility study, cost-benefit analysis (CBA), environmental screening, conceptual design, location permit, main design, building permit, and detailed design.
As we gear up for these strategic investments, our focus remains on the seamless integration of upgraded mooring places into the Danube. These actions signify our commitment to ensuring a robust and efficient waterway infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of inland navigation.
Contact and Beneficiaries
If you want to get in touch, contact the
FAIRway Danube II project manager Andreas Baeck.
For country specific information, the websites of the beneficiaries are linked below.
Project Coordinator
via donau - Österreichische Wasserstraßen-Gesellschaft mbh
Andreas Bäck
T +43 50 4321-1609
F +43 50 4321-1050
M +43 664 80842 1609
Beneficiaries
- SVP – Slovak Water Management Enterprise (Slovakia)
- EKM – Ministry of Construction and Transport (Hungary)
- OVF – General Directorate of Water Management (Hungary)
- MMPI - Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (Croatia)
- APPD - Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River (Bulgaria)
- AFDJ - Administration of the Lower Danube (Romania)
- ACN - Administration of the Navigable Canals (Romania)
Further Information
If you need help with the implementation don’t hesitate to contact Paul Pluch (paul.pluch@viadonau.org)