The PLOTO Project was launched last September with the goal of increasing the resilience of inland waterway transportation in Europe. ERTICO, as Communication Manager of the Project, has now launched an interview series to create a deeper understanding of the contribution of the different partners to PLOTO’s specific objectives. This is a means to get a well-rounded picture of the Project’s overall ambition and the possible future impact for all involved. In the first interview of the series, Danubius University of Galati (UDG), recently shared their experience working on the PLOTO Project as a core member of the Romanian pilot site.

UDG, together with the Galati Lower Danube River Administration (AFDJ) and the Romanian River Transport Cluster (RRT), is part of the pilot site located in the Danube area, working on  the implementation of gauge network monitoring system, water level monitoring, acquisition and forecast systems, calamity abatement related systems and procedures.

Danubius University offers consultancy, training, socio-economic or impact studies, and innovative business solutions related to their experience in the inland waterways field. PLOTO represents an opportunity to design a common operational picture and use scientific research potential in developing an incident management system. UDG points out that the objectives of PLOTO are a great fit with the priorities of their company because the project will help to foster public-private collaboration and spread successful new technologies and sustainable solutions across Europe and the world.

Some of the tasks UDG have been involved in lately are connected to the analysis of the resilience of inland waterways infrastructures, thus connecting the objectives and outcomes with all Danubius University’s projects.

Looking ahead, UDG plans to conduct socioeconomic studies, co-definition of research and market needs, business consultancy, training, and research dissemination. Climate parameters analyses will also be developed to measure the impact of climate change. The intention is to adapt solutions and modify design parameters or include additional ones to achieve the desired IWW and connected infrastructure applicability.

Read the full interview on the Project’s website and stay tuned for the next episode!