Amendment to Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community

This proposal updates EU rules for River Information Services (RIS) on inland waterways. RIS helps make water transport safer, more efficient, and more sustainable by providing harmonised digital information services. The update aims to improve interoperability with other transport modes and enhance the attractiveness of the sector.

The updated rules will affect inland waterway transport operators, vessel crews, and authorities managing inland waterways and ports. It also impacts users of other transport modes that interact with the logistics chain, such as maritime transport and road freight.

Key changes include strengthening technical specifications for data on navigation and voyage planning, improving the quality and timeliness of information. It also mandates better interconnection with other transport systems like maritime single windows and electronic freight transport information platforms, and requires cooperation between Member States on cross-border RIS services.

Member States must ensure effective complaint procedures and report annually on their handling. The rules also emphasize cooperation with neighbouring third countries to ensure interoperability of RIS platforms, provided they adhere to the same cybersecurity standards.