4-5 April 2025 Working group meeting, Vienna, Austria (Hygiene Standards in European River Cruise Ships: SHIPSAN’s Collaborative Efforts)

Hygiene Standards in European River Cruise Ships: SHIPSAN’s Collaborative Efforts

The EU SHIPSAN ASSOCIATION has been at the forefront of enhancing public health standards in maritime transport. In line with its mission, the Association has been actively revising the European Manual for Hygiene Standards and Communicable Disease Surveillance on Passenger Ships to incorporate updated legislation and lessons learned from recent global health challenges. ​

One of the working groups established for the revision of the European Manual was tasked with reviewing the European Manual and determining which provisions are applicable to inland cruise ships.

Recent Developments:

In April 2025, a pivotal two-day meeting was convened in Vienna, Austria, focusing on the implementation of European Manual for inland passenger vessels. This gathering brought together 15 participants from SHIPSAN, public health authorities from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and leading river cruise companies, including the European River Cruise Association (IG River Cruise), Viking Cruises, Uniworld Cruises, and Amadeus River Cruises.​

The first day of the meeting (April 4th) focused on finalizing outstanding content-related issues and discussing the implementation of the European Manual for inland passenger shipping companies and was hosted by the Amt der Wiener Landesregierung – MarktAmt (Office of Vienna State Government), Vienna Austria. The second day of the meeting (April 5^th), eight of the meeting participants had the opportunity to take part in an educational visit on board the A-Silver an inland cruise vessel of Amadeus River Cruises.

Key Discussion Points:

• Finalising the river cruise ship hygiene standards: The gathering focused on finalizing the applicable standards for the river cruises ships of the European Manual for Hygiene Standards and Communicable Disease Surveillance on Passenger Ships
• Phased implementation of standards: A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement on a phased implementation approach for these standards.This strategy aims to support both the industry and public health authorities in adopting the revised guidelines effectively.The preparatory phase is set for 2026, allowing stakeholders ample time to adapt operations and assess readiness.
• Collaboration with Authorities: Efforts are being made to identify and engage competent public health authorities across all EUMS with inland waterways. This includes updating information on river ports and coordinating with national ministries and competent authorities identifying competencies for hygiene inspections and public health event management.

Looking Ahead:

The EU SHIPSAN ASSOCIATION remains committed to fostering collaboration among public health authorities and the river cruise industry. By harmonizing hygiene standards, the Association aims to enhance passenger safety and promote sustainable practices within the European river cruise sector.​

Participants:

Industry and Associations representatives

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