On 18 June 2026, one of the largest research vessels of its kind, the REXDAN, berthed free of charge at the Donauraum Wien landing stage “Millennium Tower/Handelskai.” For Donauraum Wien, this visit represents a special occasion: the REXDAN is among the most advanced inland waterway research vessels in Europe and forms part of the research infrastructure of “Dunărea de Jos” University of Gala.
The REXDAN is a floating high-tech laboratory dedicated to the study of the environment, climate, and ecosystems in the Danube region. On board are several specialized laboratories that allow for direct analysis on the Danube of water quality, sediments, biodiversity, air quality, and the impacts of climate change.
The current mission is being carried out as part of the EU-funded SUNDANSE project, which focuses on sustainable solutions for sediment management in the Danube–Black Sea system. The goal is to collect scientific data, improve monitoring structures, and strengthen international cooperation along the Danube.
With its stop in Vienna, the REXDAN represents not only cutting-edge research technology but also cross-border cooperation along Europe’s second-longest river. Its visit demonstrates that the Danube is far more than a transport route and economic corridor: it is a shared European space for research, nature, and life.
For Wiener Donauraum Länden- und Ufer Betriebs- und Entwicklungs GmbH, the visit of the REXDAN highlights Vienna’s importance as a key location on the Danube—serving as a port, a meeting place, and an interface between infrastructure, science, and international exchange.
Copyright © 2026 by Wiener Donauraum Länden und Ufer Betriebs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft m.b.H. Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna, Austria
