The objective is to develop inland waterways transport infrastructure projects on the Comprehensive Network of the TEN-T.

Studies and / or works on TEN-T comprehensive inland ports, related to:

• access, including safe access through navigational aids, of inland ports to inland waterways;
• basic and water-side infrastructure in inland ports, including shore-side electricity supply;
• port reception facilities for oil and other waste (including residues from exhaust gas cleaning systems) and infrastructure for degassing vessels to meet environmental requirements;
• providing or improving road/rail access and connections within inland ports;
• ensuring year-round navigability by means of e.g. hydrological services, ice-breaking facilities and dredging of the port and port approaches.

Works projects may include on-site renewable energy generation (synergetic element in accordance with Section 10.6 of the Work Programme), such as photovoltaic power plants, wind turbines etc. that is primarily used for example for the shore-side electricity supply, for the need of the basic port infrastructure and for diverse port operations. Such synergetic elements must improve the socio-economic, climate or environmental benefits of the project and may not exceed 20% of the total eligible costs of the project.

Waterside infrastructure development projects means infrastructure that enhances the navigability capacity in the meaning of Articles 15 and 16 of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 or improves the multimodal connection of waterborne transport operations. This excludes infrastructure that does not directly benefit waterborne transport operations.

Elements of storage, transhipment facilities and equipment (zero-emission) may be included in a project benefiting inland waterway transport only if they are fully integrated in, and a minor part of the infrastructure investment project. These projects should not aim to focus on storing and transhipment facilities and equipment, but rather on the transport infrastructure.

Support will not be given to infrastructure dedicated for cruise ships, except as regards shore-side electricity supply.

Hinterland connections to the inland ports are covered by the respective transport mode priorities but may be part of a single project (for instance a project improving the rail access both within and outside the port area). Projects combining hinterland access both within and outside the port area may be submitted either to the inland port or to the maritime port/road/rail topics as appropriate.

Facilities and infrastructure supported under CEF must be accessible for use by all operators on a non-discriminatory basis.