Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting
4 November 2026
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TRAN European Parliament
Follow its sittings00:12 - 02:21
Speaker 2
So, now dear colleagues, let's now move on to the next agenda point, which is the presentation of a study on financing mechanisms for decarbonization, retrofitting of vessels for inland shipping. As you are aware, inland waterway transport, IWT, plays an important role in the European freight transport system, particularly in countries with well-developed inland waterway networks. The TRAN committee has always prioritised the decarbonisation of transport. For inland navigation, this transition entails significant challenges, notably the need to accelerate the uptake of cleaner energy sources and innovative propulsion technologies, modernise the existing fleet, and ensure that the required infrastructure is in place. Against this background, the study examines the scale of investment required to support the transition, as well as the financial and market-related obstacles that may hinder it.
It also considers the effectiveness of current finding, financing instruments, and explores policy options to mobilise investment, make projects more financially viable, and facilitate access to appropriate financing. I would like to warmly welcome the two experts who will present their study today, Mr. Matthijs Otten, Matthijs is the... thank you, Matthijs, Mr. Matthijs Otten, and Mr. Peter Scholten from the CE Delft. Yes, now we will start the floor with Mr. Otten.
You have 15 minutes totally. You have to share your time, you know. Thank you very much. Mr. Otten, you have the floor, sir.
02:21 - 03:04
Speaker 3
Thank you, Madam President, for the introduction. Today, we will present our study, Peter Scholten and me, on financing mechanisms for decarbonisation and retrofitting of vessels for inland shipping. Retrofitting is referring to the introduction of new engines or new technologies on existing ships, instead of buying new ships, and this is very common for inland waterway transport. The message that we want to bring you today is related to the three words that you see on the slide, financing, bankability, and business case. And financing of decarbonisation options is possible when investors think it's bankable, and that means that they expect a return on investment.
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