Project Summary, Objectives and Expected Impacts

European inland waterway transport has considerable potential to support more sustainable and resilient freight movement. However, digital and physical solutions are frequently developed in isolation, making their integration into wider multimodal logistics chains difficult.

HERFRIED addresses this challenge by developing a first-of-a-kind interoperable framework for the seamless integration of smart inland waterway transport into multimodal supply chains. The framework will combine digital and physical solutions, support real-time coordination and enable innovations to connect with broader logistics systems and transport modes.

The project builds on existing partner platforms, previous research projects and ongoing innovation initiatives. Its solutions will be validated under real operational conditions through seven industry-led pilots covering bulk, break-bulk and multimodal cargo movements across European transport corridors.

By aligning operational requirements, stakeholder needs and evolving regulatory expectations, HERFRIED aims to improve the efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of inland waterway transport and support its increased use within European multimodal logistics chains.  

Objectives 

•        Develop an interoperable smart inland waterway transport framework that integrates digital and physical innovations.
•        Connect inland waterway operations more effectively with multimodal logistics systems and other transport modes.
•        Identify and prioritise relevant innovations and use cases in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
•        Validate integrated solutions in real operational environments.
•       Establish consistent methods for assessing the social, economic and environmental effects of the pilots.
•        Develop business, policy and governance conditions that support the long-term adoption of smart inland waterway transport.
•        Produce recommendations supporting standardised and interoperable inland waterway operations.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101318845. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.