Rotterdam, 17 September 2026. The joint meeting of the bodies responsible for the inspection of inland navigation vessels was held in Rotterdam from 15 to 17 September 2026. This meeting, organised under the auspices of the European Committee for drawing up Standards in the field of Inland Navigation (CESNI), follows on from the meetings in Vienna (2018) and Zagreb (2023).

Source: CESNI

Over 100 experts from 16 CESNI Member States, Observer States, the European Commission, river commissions, approved organisations and classification societies took part in the discussions, which focused on specific issues relating to the implementation, in Europe, of the technical requirements applicable to inland navigation vessels. To navigate on EU waterways and on the Rhine, these vessels must comply with the European Standard laying down Technical Requirements for Inland Navigation vessels (ES-TRIN).

The participants were welcomed by Mr Van Kruiningen, Director at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and Mr Wassenaar, general inspector at the Human environment and Transport Inspectorate. The meeting was chaired by Ms Godard, of the French delegation, who ensured that the discussions ran smoothly.

During the three-day meeting, the 36 questions submitted by the experts on the application of the ES-TRIN were largely answered. Once the responses have been validated by the relevant CESNI bodies, the results will be published on the database for the application of technical requirements or could lead to changes in ES-TRIN.

The meeting also offered an opportunity to inform experts in the field about how CESNI operates, the main developments in international regulatory frameworks, and ES-TRIN (in particular the transitional provisions). In this context, Mr Elemenler, European Commission, and Ms Duursema, Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine, underlined the key role played by CESNI for harmonisation of regulatory frameworks.

Lastly, the event provided an excellent forum for discussion among the various participants who were able to share their experiences relating to the application of technical requirements. At the same time, the experts responsible for drafting regulations and those in the field were able to raise issues encountered in interpreting technical requirements and discuss proposed new interpretations.

These exchanges highlight the importance of a harmonised implementation of ES-TRIN to ensure a high level of safety, reduce environmental impact, guarantee fair conditions and support innovation in inland waterway transport.

To provide a broader perspective, the current challenges and opportunities for inland navigation, in both Rhine and Danube regions, were highlighted by Mr Gille, Port of Rotterdam, and Mr Klisarić, Croatian register of shipping.

The international experts are grateful to the Dutch hosts for their warm welcome and excellent organisation.

Link to the dedicated webpage: https://www.cesni.eu/en/suk-conference-2026/