IP/08/1083
Brussels, 2 July 2008
Commission approves French aid scheme
boosting inland waterway transport
The European Commission today gave the green light
to a French aid scheme for inland waterway transport. The scheme, which has an
overall budget of €16.5 million and will run from 2008 to 2012, is
designed to boost inland waterway transport in France by modernising the fleet
and promoting the occupation of inland waterway carrier.
The new scheme proposed by the French authorities follows on from the inland
waterway scheme for the period 2004-07. It includes aid designed to ensure a
better response to current market conditions.
Aid will be allocated for environmental measures, fleet modernisation,
improved safety and the commissioning of vessels which can also call at sea
ports. The scheme is also designed to promote and revive the occupation of
inland waterway carrier and to facilitate investment in new information and
communication technologies.
Part of the aid is aimed at modernising the fleet and improving its capacity
for carrying specific goods in order to meet the needs of shipping agents and
industry, while at the same time enhancing its environmental credentials.
Improving the technical features of vessels will thus help save energy and
reduce pollution.
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