6. Use of the vessel Inland navigation can be made more sustainable by improving the manner in which vessels are deployed. Three categories can be distinguished in this respect: 1) Better utilisation of cargo capacity, thus decreasing emissions per tonne-kilometre. 2) Mindful navigating behaviour, taking waterway conditions and itinerary into account. Following the optimum course on the river is another consideration. 3) Using shore power when moored in a port. Making the most of the cargo capacity has a positive effect on a vessel’s environmental impact per tonne-kilometre. Navigating with empty or partially empty cargo holds is avoided as much as possible for economic reasons in any case. Covadem is an innovation aimed at making navigation more efficient. This innovation, which is still in its pilot phase, collects soundings taken by vessels. Collating the data collected by many vessels creates a permanent, up-to-date picture of the depths of rivers. This data could be used in the future to optimise a vessel’s itinerary and for a better utilisation of the cargo capacity. Mindful navigating behaviour, geared to the characteristics of the waterway and the itinerary, generally has a positive effect on fuel consumption and hence unwelcome emissions. To stimulate this kind of mindfulness, the EICB provides an e-learning course called ‘VoortVarend Besparen’ (www.eicb.nl/cursus), which addresses helmsmanship and making proper itineraries. Introduced in 2015, the EICB Econaut app is a quick and easy way for captains to calculate the CO2 emissions of a voyage. The app can also work on a more continuous basis using GPS data to keep track of the number of kilometres. The amount of cargo and the fuel consumption have to be entered manually. All data is processed into a monthly report. The app gives inland navigation operators the possibility to report their CO2 footprint to third parties, thereby contributing to mindful navigation. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Many ports provide shore power. The provision of shore supply reduces the use of diesel generators, allowing ports to improve the air quality and prevent noise Econaut-App for smartphone
pollution in urban areas.
The European Commission is convinced that inland navigation plays an important part in hinterland transport, in greening the transport chain and in reducing congestion. The European Commission therefore stimulates (technological) innovation in inland navigation. The main purpose of the ‘Prominent’ project is to provide cost-effective, standard solutions for the European inland navigation fleet. One aspect of this project is the ‘Greening Tool’. This tool can be consulted on the Internet: www.eicb.nl/greeningtool. It shows inland navigation operators, policy makers and others which greening technologies are potentially the most interesting for use on existing vessels.
The power of inland navigation
54