New online environment for inland waterway users to plan their voyage
For skippers and logistics partners, up-to-date information is indispensable for reliable route and voyage planning. Access to static and dynamic information that gives actual, 24/7 insight on the situation of the waterways is of utmost importance. In recent years, a partnership of 13 European countries has therefore set up a completely new online environment to provide this: EuRIS – European River Information Services.
The platform at www.eurisportal.eu will help inland waterway users to plan their voyage and arrival times throughout Europe in a user-friendly portal. Formerly skippers had to consult numerous websites and information sources to retrieve all relevant information, especially when travelling cross-border. EuRIS offers one-stop-shopping for all relevant fairway and traffic related information by combining the data of 13 countries at one platform.
Real-time information Skippers and other users can at any time collect real-time information and gain insight in the actual traffic situation on their sailing route, waiting times, incidents or disruptions that affect the travel time. They can also share information with others, for example their ETA. This is offered in a protected environment, so that the privacy of all users is guaranteed.
Interconnected inland waterway network in Europe The platform covers the major interconnected inland waterway network in Europe. This includes the 7 main corridors (Rhine, Danube, Elbe, Moselle, Dunkirk – Scheldt, Amsterdam – Antwerp – Liège, Amsterdam – Antwerp – Brussels) and much more. The current partnership consists of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia. The cooperation resulted in this jointly designed transboundary system, which is unique in its span and high added-value services. The countries will continue their partnership to further develop the platform in the upcoming years, depending on the needs and user demands.