River transport: a key solution for reducing emissions and the energy transition
River transport plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to its energy efficiency and low environmental impact. Against a backdrop of increasing decarbonisation, this environmentally-friendly alternative to road and rail transport is proving to be an essential lever for the energy transition.
Economic and environmental benefits for players in the sector
In addition to the environmental benefits, electrification brings significant economic advantages. Electric propulsion systems reduce operating costs thanks to optimised energy consumption and simplified maintenance.
In environmental terms, the use of electric motors drastically reduces emissions of atmospheric pollutants and noise pollution.
Programmes and grants such as PAMI (Plan d'aide à la modernisation et à l'innovation), GATE (REMOVE Programme), as well as the CEE fiches TRA-EQ-126 & TRA-EQ-127, offer substantial financial support for retrofit projects or the construction of new vessels. These schemes help to accelerate the adoption of modern, sustainable technological solutions, both to improve the energy performance and reduce the environmental impact of river fleets.
The PAMI, practical support for innovation
The PAMI is a flagship programme designed to encourage fleet modernisation. It offers subsidies for the integration of innovative technologies, such as electric or hybrid engines, as well as improvements to existing propulsion systems. The main objectives are to reduce polluting emissions and increase the economic competitiveness of inland waterway transport.
The PAMI offers subsidies for fleet modernisation:
• Up to 70% for modernisation studies.
• Up to 60% for the integration of solutions
Provided under invoice with up to 80% on account
These grants facilitate investment in innovation and the energy transition of fleets.
GATE and energy saving certificates
The GATE (REMOVE) programme focuses on implementing innovative solutions to reduce CO2 emissions in river transport. In addition, the CEE (Certificats d'économie d'énergie) forms TRA-EQ-126 and TRA-EQ-127 provide funding for specific equipment, such as electric propulsion systems or adapted recharging infrastructures. This aid will make eco-responsible solutions more accessible to river operators.
The cost of repowering studies is 90% covered by the energy transition grants, with no advance payment. This means that companies can benefit from almost total coverage of the costs associated with the analysis and preparation of repowering projects, without having to advance large sums of money upstream. This financing is particularly relevant for companies wishing to modernise their fleet by replacing existing engines with more environmentally-friendly solutions, such as electric motors.
Weenav: a partner dedicated to greening the river sector
At Weenav, we're much more than just a motor manufacturer specialising in 100% electric power. As a design office, we support our customers at every stage of their energy transition, from design to the integration of propulsion systems.
Our ARION inboard motor, 100% electric or hydropower up to 500 hp, is designed and manufactured in France. ARION is tailored to the needs of river transport. Small, light and extremely powerful, it can be installed on vessels of all sizes. It is also compatible with retrofit or new-build projects.
What's more, the ARION engine can be adapted to any type of transmission, whether a direct shaft line or a Z-drive system, guaranteeing optimum flexibility to meet the different needs of river operators.
Weenav is actively contributing to the modernisation of inland waterway transport. Together, we can transform the sector and achieve our decarbonisation objectives.
Join us in this revolution for sustainable and innovative shipping!
