Considerations regarding reducing Danube navigation emissions

Some results of the concept working out are proposed to improve ecological parameters in the inland Danube navigation by increasing energy efficiency of the already owned fleet at the basis of possible methods, which also were proposed during GRENDEL (Green and Efficient Danube Fleet) Project, finished in November, 2020. It has been a pilot project directed to coordinate the Danube fleet modernization according to the European Green Deal conception. The results, introduced during GRENDEL Final Event show an active interest of all participants to the main objectives of the project, and both to the prolongation of investigations in this sphere. Obviously, the main interest is concentrated around issues of harmful emissions of ship main engines decreasing as soon as preparing Danube inland vessels for using technologies of zero emission. However, very expensive practical realization, Danube market falling, pandemic limitations, points of wasteland in Danube countries economics – these all factors make impossible to use modern findings and solutions in sphere of the Danube fleet modernization for today’s shipowners. Nowadays shipowners are using to feel financial deficits even for current operational maintenance. The best way to rich zero emission fast is implementation of governmental regulatory and financial support planes, which unfortunately are too far from developing and realization. The only result could be reached by shipping companies is to find the ways to improve energy efficiency for existing fleet. It will also lead to better ecological parameters.