Voies navigables de France (VNF) is the French navigation authority in charge of managing the majority of France’s inland waterways network and their associated facilities – dams, locks, towpaths, lock-keeper’s houses and other structures. VNF is also responsible for the development of commercial and leisure inland navigation.
Electricité de France (EDF) is a French electricity producer. On the upper Rhine, each hydroelectric plant is coupled with a lock that allows vessels to cross the fall used to produce electricity. 8 out of 10 of these locks are operated and maintained by EDF, aiming for a high level of safety and availability. A major player in river transport in Alsace, EDF is thus seeking to develop, improve and modernize navigation in order to make this mode of transport even more efficient and attractive.
www.edf.fr
Alaric Blakeway, VNF, national RIS COMEX coordinator of France
“RIS COMEX will be a big step towards the implementation of river information services harmonised all along the major European inland waterway corridors. This project may also build the foundations of a central RIS portal, enabling access to all useful information provided by the major inland navigation authorities throughout Europe.”