Deadline: January 20, 2026
The European Commission has announced a new Horizon Europe call aimed at integrating inland waterway transport into smart shipping and multimodal logistics chains to drive sustainable and efficient freight transport solutions.
Focus Areas: Enhanced solutions and tools to better integrate inland waterway transport IWT into the overall logistic chains and increase the modal share of inland waterway transport, are developed and demonstrated in use cases in line with the objectives set up in NAIADES III; Gains compared to the baseline defined in the beginning of the project in terms of operational efficiency, as well as environmental and social impact from the integration of IWT in multimodal logistics chains, are clearly identified, demonstrated and measured; Recommendations for an EU regulatory framework on harmonised smart shipping at EU level, as well as input for related standardisation, harmonisation and amendments to Inland Water Transport Digitalisation Vision to reflect findings from the project; Stakeholder engagement and communication campaigns and events to increase visibility and use of IWT are organised.
The call emphasizes leveraging existing frameworks and platforms for effective use case implementation, including integration with platforms used by shippers, carriers, and freight forwarders. Proposals are expected to develop and test applications and use cases for advanced cooperative Smart Shipping and Smart Logistics integrated with physical infrastructure in at least four demonstration pilots operational at TRL 7, covering cross-border applications, automated digital node services accessibility, and efficient green operations.
Pilots should span different types of goods, routes, and IWT basins for broad EU geographic coverage, preferably along Trans-European Transport Network corridors. Industry stakeholders are to lead the pilot cases, ensuring user and governance perspectives. The digital interconnectivity of IWT with logistics systems and other transport digital platforms is crucial to raising IWT’s modal share and contributing to modal shift goals, supported by the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.
Proposals should focus on the integration of smart vessels, infrastructure, data, and governance in multimodal logistics chains. Building on previous research projects, innovative technologies including generative Artificial Intelligence may be used to connect IWT to existing land and waterborne multimodal logistics for sustainable, safe, resilient, and automated synchromodal transport.
The call also aims to define and develop key IWT-related aspects of a common multimodal data sharing framework compatible with legacy systems, aligning with initiatives such as the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum, European mobility data space, and regulatory frameworks including the electronic Freight Transport Information regulation, Intelligent Transport Systems Directive, and River Information Services Directive.
Public administrations’ involvement is a priority alongside collaboration among freight forwarders, intermodal operators, shippers, and others. The impact of automation and digitalisation on stakeholders must be assessed throughout the development cycle.
Through pilots, proposals should analyze current regional, national regulations, identify legal barriers, and propose recommendations for an EU harmonized smart shipping regulatory framework, including input for relevant standardisation bodies. A comprehensive assessment of environmental, economic, and social benefits of smart shipping and expanded IWT use in multimodal logistics is expected.
New business models incentivizing IWT use should be developed, and collaboration fostered among transport operators, logistics providers, shippers, policymakers, and technology developers. Communication activities and outreach events will increase stakeholder awareness, showcasing pilot results and benefits of IWT integration in multimodal logistics chains.
The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of around EUR 8.00 million would allow the outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.
The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 16.00 million.
For more information, visit EC.
