Between 2010 and 2014 the Smart Mobility expertise centre (then named Vlaams Instituut voor Mobiliteit) conducted research on a new concept to optimize the transport of goods via small waterways (up to and including CEMT-class IV).
The concept consisted of smaller push tugs with small barges, adapted to the size of the waterway: on smaller waterways, small barges were pushed by small push tugs. On larger waterways, the barges can be coupled and continue in convoys.
The main characteristics of the project were, on the one hand, the separation of the actual transport and (un)loading activities and, on the other, that staff no longer needed to live on board.
The project ultimately confirmed that such a concept is viable and can contribute to a revival of inland shipping. The results of the project can be found on the Interreg-project Watertruck website.
As a first step, certain standards will be established in order to reduce production costs and improve the interoperability of the vessels, both in terms of sailing areas and in terms of cargo type. The standard design for different sizes of barges will be developed.
As a first step in the trans-European rollout, a small fleet of (self-propelled) barges and push boats will be constructed and deployed in a large-scale trial phase, shipping a dedicated volume of cargo per year.
The first steps within the award procedure have been taken.
Follow this for further information on the contract notice of the push barges and the push boats.
Deadline for receipt of candidacies is 3 p.m. on 12th August.
The results of the trial phase will be combined with a financial toolbox in order to create a Master Plan which will contain business cases for the construction and financing of a large European fleet of Watertruck+ vessels.
The board of directors from Watertruck+ bvba have decided to initiate a second market consultation in order to have extra operators involved into the project.
You can find all specifications on this open call, indicated as Call II, via this link.
Applicants are invited to submit their application by 10.00 a.m. on 10th October 2016.
Public tender for a contract to hire services for building supervision and technical support related to Activity 5 of the Watertruck+ project (closed)
Publication Date: 07th March, 2017
You can find all specifications concerning this contract via this link (Dutch only).
Applicants are invited to submit their application by 12.00 a.m. on 31st March 31, 2017.
Public tender for a contract to hire services for designing push boats related to Activity 4 of the Watertruck+ project (closed)
Publication Date: 8th September, 2017
All necessary information can be downloaded via these links: tender – Design specifications – registration form (Dutch only).
Applicants are invited to submit their application by 5.00 p.m. on 14th September.
The board of directors of Watertruck+ bvba has decided to initiate a third market consultation in order to have extra operators involved into the project.
Via this link, you can find all specifications on this open call, indicated as Call III.
Applicants are invited to submit their application by January 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.
Public tender for a contract to hire goods for delivery of a pusher related to Activity 5 of the Watertruck+ project.
Publication Date: 20th April, 2018
All necessary information can be downloaded via these links: tender (Dutch only) – design specifications – technical drawing.
Applicants are invited to submit their application by 11.00 a.m. on 31st May, 2018.
Tender for the awarding of a public contract for the provision of services related to external expertise in the context of the design of the master plan for the “Watertruck+” project.
Publication Date: May 31, 2018.
Negotiation procedure without prior publication.
All necessary information can be downloaded via these links:
Region: The Netherlands
Region: Belgium
Region: France
Region: Eastern Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Baltic states, Nordic countries
Region: Italy, Danube countriesRegio Italië, Donau-landen
Registration form
Applicants are invited to submit their application by 09.00 a.m. on 22nd June, 2018.
Public tender for a contract to build and deliver push barges within Call III within the Watertruck+ project.
Publication Date: 11th September, 2018
All necessary information can be downloaded via these links: tender (Dutch only) – technical specifications – CEMT IIL Drawings
Applicants are invited to submit their application by 11.00 a.m. on 17th October, 2018.