A modern cross-border system for monitoring Danube water pollution caused by shipping is to be built. The pilot initiative will be implemented by the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration“ in partnership with the Romanian Maritime Administration within the framework of the approved strategic project DANRISS 2 – “Enhanced inspections on the Danube River through artificial intelligence and data integration“. The investment is for nearly 4 million euros, provided by the Interreg VI-A Romania Programme – Bulgaria, which is co-managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.
The system includes innovative IT tools and sensors for collecting and analyzing data on river pollution, as well as a procedure for joint monitoring and response activities in case of incidents.
The project also envisages upgrading the existing DANRISS system by transforming it into an intelligent and integrated platform that improves the efficiency, transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements related to inspections of the technical condition of ships on the Danube, in order to avoid duplication of activities by the two administrations. For this purpose, the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration“ will deploy key hardware and infrastructure components and servers along the Bulgarian coast. New mobile devices and communication equipment related to the implementation of ship inspections will be provided. A mobile inspection unit will be created, equipped with specialized mobile printers, tablets and an all-terrain vehicle. Artificial intelligence solutions will be implemented for advanced monitoring and analysis of shipping on the Danube, increasing the safety and efficiency of river transport management, etc. Joint training activities and harmonization of inspection practices with the Romanian Maritime Administration are also planned.
The implementation of the project will ensure safe, effective and harmonized inspections of ships on the Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube River with regard to the fair application of shipping regulations. It will implement the provisions of Directive 2016/1629/EC laying down technical requirements for vessels navigating on inland waterways under the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods. The implementation of the DANRISS 2 project will contribute to a significant improvement in the quality and consistency of ship inspections, safer shipping, reduced environmental impact and a more equal playing field for participants in river transport on the Danube.