Mainly on the Elbe River - Central Europe

(i) The waterway category is defined by horizontal dimensions of motor vessels, tow-
vessels and groups of vessels, and specifically by the main standardized dimension
– their maximum width.
(ii) Waterways are categorized as E waterways only if they meet requirements of at
least category IV waterways (minimum dimensions of the vessel must be 80 m x 9,5
m). Draft limit (less than 2,50 m) and minimum under-bridge height (less than 5,25
m) may be accepted only on already existing waterways and only as an exception.
(iii) In case of modernization of the category IV waterways (as well as smaller regional
waterways), it is recommended to fulfill at least the parameters of the category
Va waterways.
(iv) The construction of new category E waterways should at least meet the
requirements of category Vb waterways and it is necessary to ensure a minimum
draft of 2,80 m.
(v) The modernization and/or construction of new waterways should always take into
account vessels and groups of vessels of large proportions.
(vi) In order to efficiently transport containers, it is necessary to ensure the highest
possible construction of bridges (see Table 1 – 5,25 m for transportation of
containers in two layers, 7,00 m for transportation of containers in three layers, 9,10
m for transportation of containers in four layers) 1
(vii) Inland waterways used for transportation of high volumes of containers and for
transportation of freight vehicles by vessels should meet at least requirements of the
category Vb waterways.
(viii) On waterways with the changing water level, the minimum recommended draft limit
should correspond with the average water level reached within 240 days in a year or
more (or within 60 % of the navigability period). The recommended height under
bridges (5,25 m, 7,00 m or 9,10 m) should be ensured wherever it is possible and
economically profitable.
1 The imprescriptible rule used in Western Europe states, that the waterway container transportation is competitive for
three layer containers.
A feasibility study for “Improvement of Conditions for the River Transport in Central Europe (mainly on the Elbe
River)“ realized within the ChemLog project 10