Inland ports finally gain recognition on European network

Isabelle Ryckbost, director of European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) told PS that her first reaction is one of general satisfaction about the ports inclusion on the TENT-T maps, although she still has “some concern” over the actual outcome, since on reading the details it still might be that there is a way to go “before the waterway routes are actually on the same footing as the rail networks”.

The EU proposal means that inland ports with an annual freight transhipment of over 500,000 tonnes are to be mapped as part of the basic layer of the TEN-T network. Further, around 80 inland ports have been selected to be recognised as part of the core network.

This means that recognised inland waterways should be able to bid for TENT-T co-financing of up to 40% while development of ports and multimodal platforms, including hinterland links, could be supported with funding of up to 20% of the eligible amount.

However, Ms Ryckbost point out, “While they always speak about a multimodal approach implementation often seems to fall short of this. You have the defined multimodal corridors, but then you also have the financing rules to negotiate. We have to hope we are considered as a serious partner.”

Ms Ryckbost concluded that it’s a start. “Although there are some small details to iron out, we acknowledge the effort it’s taken for everyone involved to get this far – it’s been difficult. However, we feel we now have a good working relationship, and despite our concerns, we believe that there’s now a basis on which to take things forward.”