A ship glides calmly along the Danube, the surface of the water reflecting the golden light. On the horizon, the sunset colours the sky in warm shades of orange and red. An atmospheric moment between river, light and landscape.
A ship leisurely makes its way along the Danube, the water glistening in the evening light. The sky glows in the intense colours of the sunset. A peaceful scene that brings the day to an atmospheric close.

Shaping the Future Together.

was the theme of the 29th International Danube Shipping and Tourism Conference 2025 in Straubing. High-ranking speakers provided inspiring insights and forward-looking visions for the future of the Danube as part of a varied three-day programme. 

 

The sessions and presentations are available for download here.

Monday, 24 November 2025

Interview on the results of the current industry survey

Brigitte Franz, Project Manager, Institute CENTOURIS University of Passau

 

Alternative fuels and drive concepts

Thomas Bogler, Managing director of Viking Technical GmbH & President of IG River Cruise

 

Decarbonization in the inland waterways – what is the status?

Sascha Gill, CEO of United Waterways Inc.

 

How can the river cruise use EuRIS and CEERIS?

Mario Kaufmann, Head of Team International Projects at viadonau


With 'Ella' to Autonomous Inland Navigation

Stephan Schweig, research assistant at the DST Development Center – Autonomous Driving Department


Microbiological water quality and shipping: the importance of proper wastewater disposal for water protection

Univ. Pof. Dr. Andreas Farnleitner, Dual professor of microbiology and water quality at TU Wien and Karl Landsteiner University, co-director of ICC Water & Health

 

Sturgeon Settlement Project

Uta Hauft, Head of Corporate Communications at viadonau

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Danube Expansion Straubing - Deggendorf; past and future measures

Jürgen Schillinger, Head of Department Danube Expansion, Waterways and Shipping Office Danube MDK


Green Claims in the EU: Importance and Certification

Peter Henkes, Consultant & Auditor Sustainability


Production of fertilizer, energy, and electricity from cabin ship wastewater and land power update

Dr. Harald Beutl, Head of Real Estate Development at viadonau


Interactive Project Workshop: From Idea to Initiative – Advancing Sustainable Development Together

Brigitte Franz & Stefan Mang, CENTOURIS University of Passau

 

UNESCO World Heritage Danube Limes

Stefan Traxler, Archaeologist and Head of Collections for Roman, Medieval, and Modern Archaeology at the Upper Austrian Provincial Museum

Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Keynote: Where are we heading?

Dr. Steffi Burkhart, generational researcher and new work expert

 

Change in target groups using the example of 'Sinus-Milieus'

Jan Hecht, Director Research & Consulting at the SINUS Institute


Experience Danube: Best Practices from Cruise and Tourism Research

Prof. Dr. Steffen Spiegel, Professor of Tourism Management, IU International University Bremen & Cruise Director at Phoenix Reisen

Post Convention, 26 November 2025

Visit Pullman City Western Town in Eging am See

Maximilian Fuchs, Pullman City Group Department