Inland Passenger Water Transport
Operation of zero direct emission or hybrid inland waterway passenger vessels on rivers, canals and lakes for urban and intercity mobility.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The activity covers the purchase, financing, leasing, rental and operation of passenger vessels on inland waterways including rivers, canals and lakes. Vessels must have zero direct (tailpipe) CO2 emissions, achieved through battery-electric propulsion, hydrogen fuel cells or other zero-emission technologies.
Alternatively, until 31 December 2025, hybrid vessels may qualify provided they achieve direct CO2 emissions below 50 gCO2 per passenger-kilometre under representative operational conditions. For vessels operating on routes where shore-side charging or hydrogen bunkering is not yet available, the use of advanced biofuels meeting RED II sustainability criteria may be counted towards the emission threshold.
Inland waterway passenger transport offers significant potential for low-carbon urban mobility, particularly in cities with navigable rivers. Operators must maintain emission monitoring records and report annually on the fuel mix and emission intensity of their fleet.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
The activity must meet Appendix A criteria of the Climate Delegated Act. Physical climate risks relevant to inland waterways, including low water levels from drought, flooding, ice formation and extreme heat affecting vessel systems, must be assessed and mitigated over the expected lifetime of the vessel.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
A climate risk and vulnerability assessment covering the vessel's operational lifetime must be carried out. Key risks include changes in water levels due to drought or flooding, ice formation disrupting services, extreme heat affecting battery performance, and increased storm frequency damaging mooring and berthing infrastructure.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Vessels must comply with Directive (EU) 2016/1629 on technical requirements for inland waterway vessels, including requirements for the prevention of water pollution. Bilge water, sewage and waste must be managed in accordance with the Convention on the Collection, Deposit and Reception of Waste in Rhine and Inland Navigation (CDNI) or equivalent national regulations. Anti-fouling systems must not contain biocides harmful to freshwater ecosystems.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Vessel design must consider end-of-life recyclability of hull materials and propulsion system components. Battery systems must comply with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 including recycling efficiency and material recovery targets. Operators must have a waste management plan addressing hazardous materials, lubricants and electronic equipment onboard.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Vessels using any combustion engine must comply with Stage V emission limits under Regulation (EU) 2016/1628. Noise emissions must be managed to minimise disturbance to riverbank communities and aquatic fauna. Measures must prevent fuel, oil and chemical spillage into waterways. Ballast water and wastewater discharge must meet applicable EU and national quality standards.