CRISTAL - Optimization of inland navigation through digital twins

Inland waterway transport has so far played a subordinate role in Europe, accounting for less than 6% of total freight transport. The CRISTAL project (Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Transport Infrastructure, with a Focus on Inland Waterways) set itself the goal of significantly increasing this share. At the same time, strategies to improve the reliability of waterway logistics were developed and demonstrated in three pilot locations.

Research focus and developments

The CRISTAL project focused on:

• Optimization of inland waterway transport through more efficient route and infrastructure planning
• Integration of sustainable technologies for low-emission logistics solutions
• Use of digital twins for monitoring and predictive maintenance of the infrastructure

Project coordination and implementation

Within the project, virtual images of existing infrastructures were developed in order to:

• Process sensor data in real time
• Predict potential damage to waterways and locks
• Enable ongoing optimizations for greater efficiency and safety

Results and added value

The solutions developed:

• Operational interruptions reduced through predictive maintenance
• Promoting the use of inland waterway vessels as an environmentally friendly transportation alternative
• Sustainable strategies developed for freight transportation along European waterways

Further information

You can find out more about the CRISTAL project here: CRISTAL - Official Website