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The HERFRIED project, coordinated by FH Upper Austria, aims to optimize inland shipping through digital networking, thereby increasing the transport of goods on waterways. According to FH Professor Lisa-Maria Putz-Egger and the Steyr team Sustainable Transport, the initiative is intended to bring together companies, logistics service providers, authorities, and infrastructure operators to exchange information across borders and coordinate processes in real-time. This is expected to not only enhance efficiency but also reduce the environmental impact of goods transport.
The research project has now received a high rating within the framework of the EU funding program HORIZON Europe and is supported by a budget of nearly 8 million EUR. Of this, approximately 1.4 million EUR is allocated to FH Upper Austria. The consortium partners include 17 institutions from Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Poland, including companies like Voestalpine, which extensively uses the Rhine-Main-Danube corridor.
Digitalization as the key to efficiency
Voestalpine sees the digitalization of the supply chain as a crucial factor for increasing efficiency and sustainability. Within the framework of HERFRIED, innovative solutions are to be developed along the entire value chain, ranging from raw material procurement to delivery. Close collaboration with project partners is expected to promote data-driven decision-making processes and create more resilient supply chains.
A central goal of the project is the complete digital integration of inland shipping into multimodal logistics chains. Putz-Egger emphasizes that digitalization will connect relevant companies and modes of transport to optimize logistics processes. This includes the development of smart ships, standardized data spaces, and the integration of administrative and regulatory systems.
Practical implementation through pilot projects
HERFRIED will be tested in seven industry-related pilot projects along key European corridors. The focus will be on both unit and bulk goods as well as multimodal goods such as containers. The project builds on existing platforms and ensures that relevant data is seamlessly connected to overarching logistics systems.
The involvement of public authorities ensures that applicable laws and standards are taken into account. Additionally, the project aims to engage with policymakers to create suitable framework conditions that promote transport on waterways.
The Upper Austrian location agency Business Upper Austria supported the project during the application process by reviewing content and strategic aspects and providing feedback. HERFRIED is set to start on October 1, 2026, and is planned for a duration of three years.
A key driving force behind the project is Herfried Leitner, managing director of one of the largest Danube shipping companies, who has significantly contributed to the development of the idea.
