From 4 to 6 June, the 38th edition of the IVR Congress will take place in Vienna. The IVR Congress has been a great success among our members for many years and, in addition to a content-rich programme, offers a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with our members from different countries and sectors in an informal way.
Given the positive experiences in previous years, we are again opening the congress participation to non-members, not least to offer a wider network to all congress participants. Non-members can attend an IVR congress once, after which they will be offered the non-binding option of joining as a member. Keep an eye on this page, our newsletter and social media channels for more information about the IVR Congress 2025.
Registration IVR Congress 2025
At the moment, all available tickets for participation in the IVR Congress 2025 have been sold out and registration is closed. If you would like to participate, please send an e-mail to our Secretariat to be put on the waiting list. In case of a cancellation, we will contact you as soon as possible.
Thursday 5 June 2025
Park Hyatt Vienna
09:30 – 11:30 | Meeting Legal Committee
11:30 – 13:00 | Registration and pick up badge
12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch buffet
13:00 – 16:45 | Workshop « Strengthening Inland Navigation, the economic lifeline of Europe »
Palais Coburg
17:30 – 18:30 | Welcome reception
18:30 – 22:00 | Seated dinner
Friday 6 June 2025
DDSG Blue Danube – MS Kaiserin Elisabeth
09:30 – 10:00 | Walk-in, boarding vessel
10:00 – 12:00 | General Assembly (cruise part 1)
(Simultaneously Partner Programme)
12:00 – 14:30 | Closing lunch on board (cruise part 2)
The programme for the IVR Congress 2025 is subject to possible changes. We reserve the right to make adjustments to the schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, operational requirements or other unavoidable factors. We aim to inform participants of any changes in a timely manner and thank you in advance for your understanding.
13:00 – 13:15
Anneke Kooiman | IVR
Official opening of the IVR Congress 2025 by the president of IVR
13:15 – 13:45
Lisa-Maria Putz-Egger | University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
“Navigating the Future: Current Status and Innovations in Danube Logistics”
The Danube plays an important role in European inland navigation and for European logistics. This presentation examines the current status of Danube logistics, with focus on recent technological and operational innovations. Special attention will be given to the activities and contributions of Inland Waterway Transportation for a sustainable and efficient mobility system.
FH-Prof. Dr. Lisa-Maria Putz, BSc MA is professor at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in Steyr. She has published several publications in international journals and has received the young scientist research award twice from the FH OOE in 2018 and 2015. She has been leading more than 35 (inter-)nationally funded projects about sustainable transport including the awareness dimension and teaches several courses at the FH OOE and other universities. Current research projects are MultiRELOAD or the research cooperation “REWWay” with viadonau dealing with CO2 emission calculations, modal shift policies, creating awareness for sustainable logistics and multimodal transport solutions for the industry. Lisa-Maria is president of the Pro Danube Austria, an association which combines the interest between the industry, politics, infrastructural providers and logistics companies along the Austrian Danube.
13:45 – 14:15
Eckehard Volz & Jakob Haas | Clyde&Co
“Failing infrastructure: Claims and counterclaims against German Shipping authorities”
Maintaining the infrastructure for the navigability of inland waterways is a key prerequisite for undisturbed trade. If the infrastructure no longer functions properly, bridges collapse, locks are out of order and water depths become an obstacle, the question arises as to the responsibility of the competent authorities and the claims and counterclaims of inland navigation stakeholders. This presentation provides an overview and deals with the conflicting interests and mutual legal positions in complex constellations.
Eckehard is the head of the Clyde&Co Shipping team based in Hamburg. For many years Eckehard has been recommended and considered as one of the “leading individuals for shipping and marine insurance” in Germany. With his nautical background and experience, Eckehard is well placed to advise on all aspects of admiralty, P&I and marine insurance matters. In addition to his expertise in shipping and marine insurance, Eckehard advises on inland water casualties, including contentious matters.
Jakob Haas is a German lawyer and Legal Director with Clyde & Co in Hamburg. His legal practice comprises all areas of maritime and inland shipping law with specialist expertise in handling ship collisions as well as other vessel incidents.
14:15 – 14:45
Claudia Beumer | C4 Fuel
“Challenges and opportunities of an industry in transition; the role of biofuels”
As the transport sector shifts towards more sustainable solutions, biofuels are gaining attention as one of the possible fuel alternatives. This presentation explores the current challenges the industry is facing and highlights the potential of biofuels to support a cleaner future. Overviewing the key developments, opportunities, points to consider and what role these fuels will play in inland navigation.
With an educational background in Chemical Engineering and extensive experience in the bunkering industry, Claudia has worked with companies like Emerson, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, and VT Group. She has led sustainability initiatives in alternative fuels and actively participates in several associations, from SGMF in 2014 to the NEN working group. And also, as a board member for IBIA since April 2023. Since 2024, Claudia runs her own company: C4 Fuel. Helping maritime stakeholders understanding and embracing the changes in the maritime industry, by providing training and advise on future fuels and Mass Flow Meters.
15:30 – 16:00
Irma Belgraver | Rabobank
« Inland Shipping needs systemic change to shape a zero-emission future »
To fundamentally transform inland shipping from a fossil-fuelled system to a zero-emission one requires significant investments and collaboration across the supply chain. Irma will explore the key challenges and investments required for this transition, highlighting innovation and the role of collaboration within the supply chain. The session will provide a forward-looking perspective on what it will take to make zero-emission inland navigation a reality.
As the daughter of a skipper, Irma grew up on board a ship and therefore knows the sector well. In 2012, after years of working in real estate, Irma started at Rabobank and began her career in shipping. She financed inland shipping entrepreneurs. In 2018, she joined the municipality of Rotterdam to work on strengthening the maritime cluster within the “Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe” program. For the past year, she has been back at Rabobank, working on the future of inland shipping, including the sustainability of the inland shipping portfolio. Additionally, she is actively involved with the Condor Zero Emission Inland Shipping foundation.
16:00 – 16:30
Patrick Potgraven | Ministry of Infrastructure and Watermanagement
“Ensuring safe navigation is a shared responsibility”
The use of automation on inland waterways increases fast. It is estimated that around 20% of all kilometers sailed in Western Europe is sailed with the help of a trackpilot. And remotely navigated ships have been introduced as well. We have already seen the first accidents with automated ships. The question is how we are able to use the automation safely? The situation asks for action of all parties involved: skippers, automation manufacturers, shippers, authorities and insurance companies. This session will offer insights into what’s needed to ensure safe and efficient navigation for the future.
Patrick Potgraven has been educated at the University of Twente in Business Administration. Starting his working career in 1994, he joined Rijkswaterstaat, part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water management. After that he started his own private company VID. In 2018 he came back to the Ministry as program manager for Smart Shipping. The program aims to use the smart shipping technologies on the best possible way to improve safety, sustainability and the competitiveness of the sector, both for inland shipping and sea going vessels. Patrick is a linking pin between the legal system and practical implementation. He also is a driving force behind the Intention sharing concept, sharing sailing intentions between partly automated ships, to be demonstrated in the second half of 2025.
16:30 – 16:45
Frouwke de Vries | IVR
Secretary General of IVR Frouwke de Vries will give the final closing remarks of the workshop.
Locations
The Park Hyatt Vienna is a beautiful historical hotel located in the heart of Vienna, in the prestigious « Goldenes Quartier » district. The venue is housed in a monumental building that originally served as the headquarters of the « Österreichische Länderbank. » Built between 1913 and 1915, this imposing building reflects the grandeur of Viennese architecture of the time, with influences of neoclassical and art nouveau styles. In 2014, the building was transformed into the Park Hyatt hotel, retaining many of its original architectural details, such as marble floors and historic chandeliers, which pay tribute to its history.
Palais Coburg has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when it was built on the medieval city walls. In the 19th century, the palace was created by Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The palace is best known for its architectural grandeur and its current function as a hotel and event venue, as well as its famous wine cellar. For the reception we can use the elegant garden (weather permitting), and for dinner we will be seated in the palace’s beautiful historical rooms.
Motel One Wien-Staatsoper has reserved 50 standard rooms for our guests. Located in the heart of Vienna, 1.3 km away from the Park Hyatt (location for the workshop), 1 km away from Palais Coburg (location for the dinner) and a 20-minute direct metro connection to the Donau Marina (location for the General Assembly). The hotel offers excellent value for money and features a nice bar open 24 hours a day.
Check in 04.06.2025 / Check out 06.06.2025
€ 160,49 per night single occupancy incl. breakfast
€ 178,39 per night double occupancy incl. breakfast
You can apply for a room using the form below. Conditions can be found at the bottom of the form.
At this time, all MotelOne hotel rooms reserved by IVR are fully booked. You can still try to reserve a room yourself at MotelOne, or another hotel.
Participants of the IVR Congress 2025 can decide to book their own hotel accommodation. If you are planning to attend the IVR Congress 2025, we strongly recommend booking a room as soon as possible. Accommodations in central Vienna are very popular at this time of year and fill up quickly. Many hotels have flexible cancellation policies.
Reservations at Motel One Wien-Staatsoper are made via IVR using the form above, while reservations at Hotel Imperial are made directly through the hotel. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for a hotel room themselves. Please check carefully what the general and cancellation conditions are before booking a hotel room.
IVR accepts no liability for any errors and/or price changes. Of course, participants are completely free to arrange alternative accommodation.
IVR Membership
Sponsors
We would like to thank the first sponsors of the IVR Congress 2025!Would you also like to showcase your organization to a broad and international audience while contributing to the organization of the IVR Congress 2025? Consider sponsoring this event. As a sponsor, your organization will receive extensive visibility both online and offline in the lead-up to and during the event. Click the button below for more information about the sponsorship package. We will once again work with a maximum number of sponsorship slots, so we recommend reserving your spot well in advance.
