Background

The innovation activity in shipping is generally less pronounced than in other sectors. Particularly in the case of inland waterway transport, there is a rather under-average innovation performance. Although innovation activities are recognizable in recent years, there are only a few innovative shipping companies in Germany. Innovation, it seems, is often “random products” for economic necessity or personal commitment; There is hardly any “structural” transfer between innovators.

The D-ZIB was initiated to increase the innovation activity of inland navigation in Germany.

In this context, instruments and measures are developed and implemented to support innovation in inland waterway transport.

The D-ZIB is part of the EIBIP (European Inland Barging Innovation Platform), an initiative consisting of the four project partners: