River Information Services (RIS) is the concept for information services in inland navigation to support traffic and transport management, including interfaces to other transport modes. The potential for RIS to improve the position of inland navigation within the transport chain was first recognized in the early 2000’s by international organizations. PIANC established a working group in 2002 that developed the Guidelines and recommendations for River Information Services. In 2004 the first revision of these guidelines was drafted and published, with subsequent updates in 2011 and 2019. This edition continues building upon the original Guidelines and its updates, while extending the scope towards future developments which might impact RIS.
While RIS developments, and these Guidelines, were initially a European story, the overarching concept of facilitating information exchange to support traffic and transport management in inland navigation has found its way throughout the world. Given the increased traction of RIS beyond its cradle in Europe, these Guidelines have evolved towards worldwide applicability, facilitating competent authorities all over the world in their different stages of exploring, implementing, and extending RIS.
In the coming decade, Inland Navigation and River Information Services face many new challenges and opportunities with respect to climate change, digitalization, automation, and the multimodal transport arena. Based on these challenges and opportunities the report provides insights, recommendations, and guidelines for River Information Services anywhere in the world.
While part of the report is focused on readers that are taking their first steps in (the implementation of) RIS, it also provides ample insights for experienced readers looking to extend their (knowledge of) RIS and possible future RIS developments.
