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Waterways inventory
Compile information on canals and waterways in the southern Netherlands and Flanders, including technical characteristics, bridges and locks. |
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Investigate market potential
Determine the volume, nature and mode-shift potential of existing and new freight flows along waterways in the southern Netherlands and Flanders. |
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Develop an inland shipping concept
The starting point is a new transport concept that increases the shipping capacity of small waterways by coupling pushed barges to existing vessels. |
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Investigate regional economic added value
Inventory the benefits of the inland shipping logistics concept for regional economic development. |
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Adapt the coupling system
Modify one or two existing pushed barges by fitting them with bow thrusters and automatic cable drums so the barges can travel and pass through locks separately with the least possible amount of manoeuvring. |
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Test run
Use test journeys to demonstrate that the concept is commercially feasible. |
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Generate business plan
Formulate a business plan based on the results of the test runs and previous stages. |
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Communicate and publicise the results |
