Inland navigation
For the parts of Europe connected to the North and Baltic seas as well as the Rhine-Danube system, inland navigation (and short sea shipping) remains one of the most environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Every year, approximately 550 million tons of goods and raw materials are shipped through European inland waterways by more than 12 000 vessels.
The changes in Europe such as the inland market, the increase in East-West transport, the different transport conditions, different economic and social systems require a high level of flexibility in this complex transport system. Today, the upgrade or renewal of fleets, in order to maintain efficiency and meet the Green Deal targets is essential.
CEN/TC 15 'Inland navigation vessels' is in charge of standardization in the field of shipbuilding and equipment for inland navigation vessels, ship to shore interfaces and inland waterway navigation.
To cite a few benefits, standards in this field allows for a safe inland navigation in Europe, help minimizing environmental impact and supporting cost reduction for assembly and equipment.
Marine Equipment
The Annex of this Directive list a series of technical specifications or rules including European standards. CCMC regularly exchanges with EC with the objective to update this Annex with new EN supporting marine equipment products. Those inputs are then provided to the Committee on Safe Seas and the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (COSS).
Recreational craft
Although there is not so much activity nowadays in the mass production of see-going vessels, Europe remains one of the most creative region in terms of design and marketing of recreational craft. By recreational craft is intended the equipment and construction details of recreational craft, and other small craft using similar equipment, up to 24 meters length of the hull.
Standards in this field are under the responsibility of CEN/TC 464 'Small craft'. Practically, the technical standardization work is driven by ISO/TC 188 'Small Craft'. The CEN members are directly contributing in the elaboration of the standards at ISO level. The ISO standards are then adopted by both CEN and ISO. This includes a large numbers of standards developed in support of the Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU.
Meetings to adjust the programme of work and to co-ordinate the activities between European Commission, Industry (ICOMIA), Notified Bodies (RSG) and the Standardization Bodies regularly take place. The Vice-Chairman and Secretary of ISO/TC 188 are closely involved.
Alternative fuels infrastructure for ships
CEN and CENELEC also develop European standards to support the deployment of alternative fuels (electricity, hydrogen, natural gas) infrastructure for maritime and inland navigation vessels in the context of the dedicated European legislation. Thanks to these standards, the fuel infrastructure in ports is interoperable with all vessels across the EU. This allows light and heavy ships to refuel anywhere whatever their brand and whatever the kind of refuelling station.
For more information contact Kursley ALAIRY.
