Removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Danube River, sector Prahovo

The Serbian Inland Waterways Transport Network Master Plan included the preparation of a Master Plan for Inland Waterway Transport up to 2025 and the execution of three Feasibility Studies. The present situation of the waterway transport system in Serbia requires urgent action in order to rapidly restore past levels of traffic, which was affected by economic sanctions, the break-up of former Yugoslavia and the 1999 NATO bombings. Priorities regarding IWW transport are also defined in the General Transport Master Plan for the Republic of Serbia and determinate priorities for further development of transport infrastructure. Following the 1999 air bombing campaign, the capacity of Transport Corridor VII was reduced; bridges across the Danube River and other structures and ports were targeted, damaged and/or destroyed. As a result, the presence of UXO in the riverbed and on the river banks is a threat to safe navigation, health and safety, and to the environment. Objectives Develop the full potential and the competitiveness of Serbia's inland waterway transport sector for socio-economic development, in particular in the Danube basin. To remove identified UXO in high priority areas and conduct an efficient and effective supervision of their removal from the navigation fairway, but in accordance with international regulations and standards. Priority areas will be selected by the Mine Action Centre, Plovput and the Ministry of Infrastructure. Those locations will be verified by the project.