On January 17, 2025, the third online meeting of representatives of the “UkrRIS-Danube” project and the European project “RIS-COMEX2” was held. Such meetings are held monthly on a regular basis.

Representatives of the “UkrRIS-Danube” project were represented by SE “UKRVODSHLIAH”, SE “Sea Ports Authority of Ukraine”, SE “State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine” and PJSC “Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company”. To provide information and answers to specific questions, representatives of the “RIS-COMEX2” project involved VIADONAU experts.

It was determined that all decisions of the previous meeting are being implemented in full.

The meeting discussed issues related to defining a Digital Waterway Reference Network as a basis for planning voyages on the IWT and submitting information on fairways and vessel traffic to the EuRIS portal.

Due to the wide range of functions and powers of EuRIS, the next meeting will discuss in more detail issues related to the functioning of the EuRIS system, in particular the principle of its building and functioning, as well as RIS functions and data that should be integrated into EuRIS.

Issues related to ensuring seamless cross-border traffic in Danube navigation were also discussed, in particular the provision of corridor management services at levels 1, 2 and 3.

The participants of the meeting also discussed issues related to the Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination of information on the implementation of the Project. Within the framework of the “UkrRIS-Danube” project, it is planned to develop and approve a Plan for Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination. The Plans that are in use “RIS-COMEX2” and DIWA (Digital Inland Waterway Area) are taken as a basis.

The issue of the possibility of providing Notice to Navigators (NtS) in Ukrainian, in addition to the 13 languages listed in the annex to ES-RIS, was discussed.

Particular attention was paid to the new standard “European Standard for River Information Service” (ES-RIS), developed by CESNI and coming into force in 2025, taking into account that the requirements of the new standard may require corrections to the technical part of the Project. A general decision was made to take into account the requirements of this new standard to the maximum possible scope.

The next meeting was proposed to be held on February 14. At this meeting, a wide range of issues related to the implementation of the Project is planned to be discussed.

(In accordance with Article 17.3 of the Grant Agreement for implementation of the “UkrRIS-Danube” project, it must indicate the following disclaimer: “Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or CINEA. Neither the EU nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”)