Open Access Unrestricted online access star

Inland waterways transport (IWT) is recognized as a sustainable mode of transportation, prompting the European Union (EU) to promote a shift from road hauling to IWT. EU and national policies aim to establish a zero-emission IWT fleet. However, sustainable transport also involves circular resource use in vessel construction and operation. Although the EU Ship Recycling Regulation does not apply to IWT, the proposed Ecodesign Regulation may impact the sector. The principles of circular economy can be achieved through shipbuilding and service contracts with machinery providers. With the rise of autonomous navigation, vessel operations will be performed by autonomous systems which may be provided via servitisation, as part of a Product-Software-Service System (PSSS). In the chapter, the legal implications of a business model adhering to principles of circular economy for shipbuilding and barge operations are discussed.

Creative Commons Licence cc by-nc-nd cc https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

eng

Freely available e-book