The annual IVR Congress, which took place this year from Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 June in Vienna, was once again a great success. Located on the banks of the majestic Danube, the Austrian capital forms the beating heart of Europe’s inland navigation system and connects the most important European rivers and waterways as a strategic hub. The city proved to be the perfect backdrop for the strong substantive sessions and special networking moments for the 217 participants from no fewer than 10 different European countries.

IVR is a unique international platform that unites organizations and individuals from the inland navigation sector, insurance industry and surveyors in Europe. Related business areas such as lawyers, manufacturers and shipyards are also represented. Over three days, valuable insights were shared, networks strengthened and new ideas born, resulting in an unforgettable event.

Board and committee meetings and Executive Dinner in Park Hyatt Vienna
The IVR Congress kicked off on Wednesday 4 June at the stylish Park Hyatt Vienna, housed in the monumental former bank building Am Hof. Here, the members of the Executive Board, the Board of Management & Advisory Council and the Loss Prevention Committee came together for their respective meetings. This first congress day was concluded in style at the same location with a 4-course Executive Dinner for invited guests. The meeting for the Legal Committee was scheduled for the following morning – Thursday 5 June.

 

On Thursday afternoon 5 June, all participants were welcomed at the registration desk of the Park Hyatt Vienna. After a lunch buffet, members were escorted to the Grand Salon for the workshop « Strengthening Inland Navigation, the economic lifeline of Europe ». In a time of growing environmental awareness and increasing logistical challenges, inland navigation proves to be an indispensable link in the European supply chain. This reality was underlined during the workshop by five inspiring presentations from experts with various backgrounds.

After a welcoming speech by IVR president Anneke Kooiman, the workshop could begin. The workshop was opened by an interactive presentation by prof. Lisa-Maria Putz-Egger, professor at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Steyr and chair of Pro Danube Austria. During this session, the Danube was highlighted as a crucial European transport artery, with attention to recent innovations and sustainable mobility solutions. The audience could actively participate by testing their knowledge of the Danube and the associated developments.

Subsequently, Eckehard Volz and Jakob Haas, from the law firm Clyde & Co (Hamburg) gave a duo presentation in the form of a dialogue, about the conflicting interests and mutual legal positions in claims against shipping authorities in the context of failing infrastructure.

The third presentation was delivered by Claudia Beumer, owner of C4 Fuel, where she helps maritime stakeholders understand and embrace changes in the maritime sector by providing training and advice on future fuels and mass flow meters. Her presentation highlighted the challenges and opportunities
in the transition to more sustainable transport and the role of biofuels in inland navigation.

After a short coffee break, Irma Belgraver, inland navigation project manager at Rabobank, examined during her presentation the crucial investments, innovations and cooperation needed to transform inland navigation from fossil to emission-free.

The final presentation of the day was delivered by Patrick Potgraven, Strategic Advisor Synchro-modal Transport and Shipping at Rijkswaterstaat (part of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management). From track pilots to accidents: this session examined how skippers, manufacturers,
carriers and authorities can work together to ensure safe automation in the growing automated inland navigation. The workshop was moderated and concluded by IVR’s Secretary General Frouwke de Vries, who summarized the key insights in her closing remarks and introduced the evening program.

Reception and dinner at Palais Coburg

After a short walk through Vienna’s historic center, just minutes from the grandeur of the Ringstraße, the opening of the evening program took place in the garden of the imposing Palais Coburg. This stately 19th-century palace, also known as « Palais Coburg Residenz, » was built on top of medieval bastions
and breathes the city’s rich history. Against the backdrop of classical structures, the cooling shade of trees and under a brilliant blue sky, a welcoming reception awaited the guests. In this atmospheric setting, IVR president Anneke Kooiman opened the evening program with a short speech, after which guests were invited to move to the 5 elegant state rooms – each with its own character – of the Palais. There, a refined four-course dinner was served. In this sophisticated atmosphere, ample opportunity was provided to deepen existing contacts and to make new connections.

The third and final day of the congress, Friday 6 June, started with the General Assembly aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth, a modern river cruise ship of the DDSG Blue Danube shipping company. Keynote speaker Markus Simoner, Department Head of Shipping, Nautical and Engineering at the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure Republic of Austria, opened the session. In his keynote speech, he highlighted the crucial role of inland navigation for Austria and the ministerial perspective on this sector, while the vessel began its first voyage along the Danube. Simultaneously, the partner program took place on land at the Spanish Riding School, the world’s oldest riding school for classical haute école. Here, partners could enjoy the traditional morning training to music.Back aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth, the IVR Executive Committee continued the General Assembly with the Annual Report of Secretary General Frouwke de Vries, who looked back on the association’s activities during the past year. Traditionally, the chairmen of the Loss Prevention Committee and the Legal Committee – Ronald Koops and Dr. Martin Fischer – informed members about the numerous activities in their respective fields of expertise.
During the meeting, the usual statutory items were also dealt with, such as the Annual report and financial report, the budget for 2025, the discharge of the Board of Directors and Management, and the appointment of the accountant.
A new member of the Board of Management was also appointed, Mr Vincent van Cauteren (Zurich Insurance Europe AG, Belgian branch). The meeting concluded with the announcement of the location of the next IVR Congress in May 2026. This will take place in French Lyon. The historic city center is a
UNESCO World Heritage site and combines Renaissance architecture with modern influences. As an industrial and financial hub, Lyon also plays an important role in European inland navigation, where the Rhône provides a direct connection to the Mediterranean Sea and through canals gives access to
the extensive French and European waterway network. The city thus forms a strategic hub for continental goods flows between Northern and Southern Europe.
After the conclusion of the General Assembly, a closing lunch was served after a short stop on land. During this stopover, the partners also came aboard for the second voyage, where members and partners could discuss the congress together while enjoying the sun and the 360 view from the upper deck. IVR is grateful to all participating members, guests, speakers and sponsors who came to Vienna, and considers the 38th IVR Congress a resounding success.

Photography by Sandro Sklepić.   

Annual participation in the IVR Congress is possible with an IVR membership. Would you also like to be part of the extensive IVR network? Then sign up for a membership today!