At the heart of technological innovation and sustainable development, collaboration and standardization play key roles. This truth echoes vividly through the exemplary Joint Activity among three avant-garde European projects: AWARD, FOR-FREIGHT, and MultiRELOAD. A joint venture that not only illuminated the path to effective standardization but also demonstrated the power of unity and strategic collaboration. Our goal was straightforward yet ambitious: identify and analyze the most commonly used standards across our three projects, with a keen eye on the importance and utility of each. This collaborative process brought to light common standard practices and offered a platform for evaluating and discussing our march towards innovation and efficiency.

Standards at the Core

In the fabric of our collaborative endeavor among the European projects AWARD, FOR-FREIGHT, and MultiRELOAD, the identification and analysis of core standards stand as a testament to our commitment to interoperability, efficiency, and innovation. The ISO/IEC 21778:2017 and Datex II standards exemplify the technological backbone of our projects, offering frameworks that support the seamless integration of digital systems and the facilitation of data exchange. These standards not only underpin the technical foundation of our work but also embody the principles of open communication and shared best practices. TIC4.0 emerges as a particularly illuminating example, symbolizing our dedication to fostering a digitalized and interconnected industrial landscape. This standard is not merely a set of guidelines but a beacon guiding the terminal industry towards a future where digital processes are streamlined and optimized for greater sustainability and productivity. It underscores the potential of digital transformation to catalyze change and drive the industry forward, highlighting the crucial role of standards in facilitating this transition. Furthermore, our exploration revealed a diverse array of standards, including those from IATA, UIC, and various UN ECE R regulations, which serve as critical pillars for safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. These standards not only ensure compliance with international norms but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Our analysis delved into the importance and utility of these standards, uncovering their vast applicability across the projects. For instance, the CENELEC JTC21 and VDE-AR-E 2842-61 standards, while less commonly discussed, play significant roles in addressing specific technical challenges and advancing the state of the art. This nuanced exploration of standards not only highlighted their individual contributions but also underscored the collective synergy that arises from their integration into our projects.

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In a remarkable showcase of innovation and ingenuity, the MultiRELOAD Open Innovation Challenge – organised by the Port of Vienna and hosted by thinkport VIENNA - has proudly announced the winners of its competition. Tasked with reimagining the transportation of agricultural products on Europe's inland waterways, participants from across the continent presented solutions that promise to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and the overall logistics framework. The aim was to demonstrate ideas and solutions on how goods can be handled as part loads (bulk and general cargo - also palletized) in suitable loading units and transported multimodally (road-inland waterway) from A to B.

The 16 ideas submitted were first subjected to a community vote and then a subsequent jury vote on the basis of defined evaluation criteria, resulting in the following decision:

First place: "Labor-saving and easy to carry tools for transshipping agrarian and general goods"

Emerging at the forefront, Man Jiang's "Labor-saving and easy to carry tools for transhipping agrarian and general goods" won the first prize. This project presents a holistic approach to transhipping, emphasising the importance of labour-saving techniques, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. By developing ISO-compliant loading units tailored for both bulk and general goods, Jiang's solution demonstrates an important step towards optimising the round-trip transportation process between Austria and Romania. Jiang shares, “The clarity of the challenge made me imagine myself as a producer, a shipper, a receiver in a multi-modal logistics centre. Then I grabbed some pallets, bags, and ropes to create the solutions for myself. Inspired by ‘the minimalist entrepreneur’ and ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’, I’ve started ‘REship System Services’ company transforming the solutions to services for multi-modal transport in Europe.”

Second place: "Smart (IoT supported) Composite Insulated Dry Container for Multimodal Transportation“

AELER's submission, the "Smart (IoT supported) Composite Insulated Dry Container for Multimodal Transportation", secured second place with its approach to reducing the environmental impact of transporting agricultural products. Using smart composite materials, these containers are designed to significantly increase payload capacity while ensuring the safety and integrity of the cargo through enhanced protection against environmental factors. The integration of IoT capabilities facilitates real-time tracking and monitoring, providing unprecedented visibility and control over the transport process. Marianna Levtov and Gadi Benmoshe of AELER Technologies SA remark, “AELER's containers enhance efficiency by increasing payload to 28 tons, encouraging a shift to inland waterways and rail, aligning with Europe's emission targets. Their naturally insulating materials protect cargo, ensuring safety for longer transport distances. Equipped with IoT for real-time tracking, these containers boost operational efficiency, facilitating seamless transitions between modes and supporting more sustainable and reliable transport infrastructure.”

Third place (ex aequo): "Tank Trans" and "Loading and Discharging Bulk Cargo in Container" 

Tied for the third place, "Tank Trans" and "Loading and Discharging Bulk Cargo in Container" presented equally compelling solutions that also underscore the importance of flexibility and efficiency in handling bulk cargo and offer alternative and practical solutions for associated challenges in the transport sector.

MultiRELOAD Open Innovation Challenge celebrates collaborative innovation in addressing the pressing challenges of today's transport sector. Through the dedication and creativity of its participants, the challenge has highlighted pathways towards a more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected future for the transport of agricultural products on Europe's inland waterways.)

This challenge acknowledges the hard work and innovative thinking of its participants, reinforcing the importance of regularly seeking out and testing innovative concepts in the transportation industry. By encouraging collaboration and highlighting practical innovations, the MultiRELOAD Open Innovation Challenge provides a valuable platform for tackling practical on-field issues in a practical and constructive way and underscores the potential of open innovation and the power of teamwork in creating meaningful improvements within the transport of agricultural products on Europe's inland waterways.

Martin Posset and Sonja Russo from thinkport VIENNA highlighted: "The impossible is often what we haven't tried yet - more courage and openness to new solutions are needed.“

The Danube Ports Days Event is back, promising another edition filled with innovative discussions, collaborative insights, and a focus on sustainability within the realm of ports. Building on the success of the previous years, this event aims to bring together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the pressing questions that shape the future of ports and their impact on the environment.

Key Themes of the Danube Ports Days 2024

• Modal Shift and Eco-friendly Transportation

Discover the commitments ports are making to drive modal shift. Explore eco-friendly transportation options within port operations and discuss strategies to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport.

• Emission Insights

Delve into the complexities of measuring emissions in ports. Understand how ports can contribute to a cleaner environment by monitoring CO2, air quality, and other pollutants.

• Green Energy Solutions

Uncover the significance of green energy solutions in the IWT industry. Learn about the steps ports must take to facilitate and integrate sustainable energy solutions.

Event Details

Date: 29-30 October 2024

Location: Danube Commission, Budapest, hybrid event

Event powered by Pro Danube, the Danube Commission, the EU-funded projects MultiRELOAD, Green Inland Ports & Synergetics, and supported by the Danube Ports Network. Mark your calendars, whether you plan to join us in Budapest or participate virtually. Danube Ports Days 2024 promises to be a platform for insightful discussions, fostering collaboration and innovation to facilitate sustainable port operations. Prepare to engage in conversations that will shape the future of ports and sustainability! Stay tuned for updates and registration details!