The project has performed a set of activities grouped into workpackages, designed to improve sustainable inland waterway transportation. Following a contract amendment, the project duration was extended to 42 months, concluding in October 2023. Throughout the project's lifespan, a total of 38 deliverables were generated, and all seven milestones were successfully achieved.
IW-NET developed:
Open IWT Digitalization Infrastructure and Services:
Produced IWT Digitalisation innovations including simulation modelling tools to test synchromodal scenarios and modal shift impact, and a library of reusable IWT models and data sources covering infrastructure, traffic patterns, and barge features. The cloud deployed IW-NET open IWT platform and event-based digitalisation infrastructure and services provide a secure environment with integrated and tested identity management and blockchain, publish – subscribe and IoT data streaming. They facilitate big data analytics, machine learning, predictive analytics, and knowledge graphs. Further, a synchromodal booking dashboard prototype supports shippers and carriers transactions using a GS1 standards based hierarchical tracking solution, with dynamic optimization models and revenue management concepts for demand-based routing.
IWT Infrastructure Improvements and TEN-T, Sea and Inland Ports Integration:
IW-NET focused on sustainable infrastructure and traffic flow improvements in TEN-T corridors together with sea and inland ports integration. An IWT observatory, upgraded RIS services, simulation-based decision support, and innovative shore power connectivity were central offerings, aligning with initiatives like RIS-COMEX. IW-NET aimed to develop an observatory of key IWT network enablers, create extended user-centric RIS services, provide upgraded management services, and develop improved shore-side power systems. Achievements included establishing an IWT observatory, implementing a unified API for simplified RIS services access, designing traffic flow simulation models, conceptualizing digital services for smooth port stay procedures, and developing advanced prototypes for intelligent shore power services using Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) connectivity.
Innovative and Green IWT Vessels and Services:
IW-NET focused on boosting competitiveness and sustainability through green technologies, enhanced autonomy, and innovative vessel configurations. The project developed a classification of innovative green IWT vessels and produced new designs of six barge types optimized for 45ft container transportation in variable Danube water levels. It developed autonomous vessel technologies, and designs for innovative IWT fleets with autonomous vessels for urban distribution. Major achievements include the design and implementation of optimized, autonomous barge types for inland waterways, building a sensor platform integrating LiDAR, GNSS, IMU for advanced perception and localization, resulting in solutions for automated propulsion systems. Based on the innovative barge designs it developed and tested two electric urban barges with 20 t capacity tailored for cities with low water and bridges, such as Gent.
The Living Lab Application Scenarios:
IW-NET implemented a Living Lab framework to validate and assess the innovations listed above, in the application scenarios. The Living Lab was orchestrated by application scenarios which validated the produced data-driven, infrastructure, and vessel innovations within a flexible and goal-oriented framework. The outcomes included mapping innovations to modal shift enablers, establishing digital infrastructure, executing application scenarios, and analyzing feedback to generate key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommendations for solutions. Overall, IW-NET's approach provides replicable models to inspire digitalization, sustainability, and efficiency improvements in the IWT sector.
EU IWT Development Roadmaps and Capacity Building:
The EU IWT Development Roadmaps and Capacity Building activities centralized the capture and transfer of IW-NET advancements through multifaceted knowledge development and transfer, and dissemination initiatives. The results were aligned with programs like NAIADES III and PLATINA 3 in working towards common IWT development goals. Major achievements included creating roadmaps synthesizing project innovations, producing case study materials, extensive dissemination through events, successfully filing patents for key innovations, and developing policy recommendations spanning various areas.
Innovation and Data Management:
The IW-NET Innovation Management assisted partners in handling research data and intellectual property, ensuring GDPR compliance. The IW-NET Data Management governed the collection, processing, preservation, and sharing of project data, aligning with FAIR principles . Research data was uploaded to open repositories.
