European Committee for Standards in Inland Navigation (CESNI) - Reports of Activities

The Confederation of European Maritime Technology Societies has Non-Government Organisation (NGO) status with the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) and is represented on the European Committee for Standards in Inland Navigation (CESNI) by ATENA.


2026


Technical and Economic Assessment of Greening Technologies supporting the Transition of Inland Navigation towards Zero Emissions

 

The Secretariat of the CCNR is launching a research project to update Study C on the technical and economic assessment of greening technologies supporting the transition of inland navigation towards zero emissions, which back in 2020 formed the basis of the roadmap for reducing inland navigation emission (link). The project was initiated following the adoption of the CCNR Resolution 2025-II-25 and will provide the technical and economic basis for a future revision of the roadmap. The study will notably aim to:

  • review the business-as-usual scenario and transition pathways towards 2035 and 2050;
  • apply a Well-to-Wake approach when assessing emission reduction;
  • update total cost of ownership (TCO) calculations for different technologies and pathways;
  • update concrete examples of no-regret investments from vessels already operating with innovative technologies.

The analytical work will be carried out by external consultants under the coordination of the CCNR Secretariat. A steering group composed of representatives of the five CCNR Member States will oversee the project.

 

As part of this forthcoming study, the CCNR Secretariat is putting in place a stakeholder engagement process to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and strengthen technical quality of the work through regular consultation throughout the development of the study. This includes stakeholders from CCNR’s approved organisations (listed on this webpage) and international organisations (EU, River Commissions, UNECE). CEMT, as a NGO, will be represented by ATENA.  

 

Further details will be published when available and comments may be forwarded at www.cemt.eu/contact  A first draft report is expected towards the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027,

 


CESNI Meeting – Strasbourg – April 2026

 

The European Committee for drawing up Standards in the field of Inland Navigation (CESNI) met on 16 April 2026 in Strasbourg (France). The key items on the agenda included work related to the ES-TRIN 2027/1, the creation of a new temporary working group CESNI/PT/NIRA, an amendment to the model for the medical certificate, future crewing requirements and work related to the ES-RIS 2027/1.

 

The full report of the meeting may be read at https://www.cemt.eu/CCNR-CESNI


Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels (ES-TRIN)

CEMT has proposed the introduction of a dedicated chapter for Small Passenger Vessels within the European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels (ES-TRIN). Details of the proposal which concerns in particular vessels of less than 24 m in length operating as day-trip vessels on short routes and often in close proximity to the riverbank, together with a supporting Technical Report may be downloaded (Dropbox)  at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/p876qhi6fvokffmk8ybk4/Request-to-reopen-the-discussion-on-small-passenger-vessels-under-ES-TRIN.docx?rlkey=ncei8o9afwde82towwfs96qxj&st=k6lmsg96&dl=0


2025


National Derogations to Directive (EU) 2016/1629 – Issues and Proposal for Harmonisation in Inland Navigation.

 

CEMT has submitted a Report through CESNI, highlighting inconsistencies in derogations leading to distortion, and proposing changes for harmonising derogations.

 

The Report may be viewed and downloaded (Dropbox)

 


Consultation on the future update of the CCNR roadmap for reducing inland navigation emissions

The CCNR has invited comment from the members of CESNI on the proposed update of its Roadmap for reducing inland navigation emissions. The Roadmap may be viewed at https://www.ccr-zkr.org/files/documents/EtudesTransEner/Deliverable_RQ_C_Edition2.pdf and is summarised at https://www.ccr-zkr.org/12090000-en.html

 The roadmap is the CCNR's main instrument for mitigating climate change, promoting the energy transition and contributing to European policy on inland waterway transport. The research on which the roadmap relies, includes the economic and technical evaluation of current and developing technologies.

Comments may be forwarded to


 

Past CESNI Reports

Past CESNI reports and papers are available at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ufdgggpuc275bvlxj9d9s/APo3ZH6tjTR_g0-ZqA_rcE8?rlkey=6o7a4n1x9dkv24w7dx0rfp2ap&e=1&st=ami9cqoq&dl=0