14 jul2016
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.
Hereby the link to the contract notice of the push barges and the push boats.
Deadline for receipt of candidacies is August 12th at 15:00.
The results of the trial phase will be combined with a financial toolbox, to create a Master Plan which will contain business cases for the construction and financing of a large European fleet of Watertruck+ vessels.