The HERFRIED project develops and validates a smart IWT framework that fully integrates digital and physical solutions within multimodal logistics chains. The goal of the project is to deliver an interoperable framework, enabling real-time coordination, standardised processes, and seamless inclusion of IWT into multimodal logistics. The goal of the framework is to serves as a common foundation for combining innovative solutions, use cases, and pilots, generating an innovation ecosystem that accelerates the green and digital transition. Seven industry led pilots will pave the way for transferable, replicable adoption pathways for modal shift, efficiency and sustainability. The goal of HERFRIED is to incorporate key innovations: cross-border RIS-based automation, LoRaWAN tracking of non-AIS barges, adaptive transshipment planning, multimodal capacity discovery and routing, real-time adaptive coordination, and IWT execution and visibility. These innovations improve operational efficiency, coordination, and resilience. The HERFRIED Smart IWT Framework provides stakeholders with real-time insight into transport progress, ensuring operational and regulatory data are entered once and automatically reused to increase efficiency, modal share, and sustainability. It also supports policy recommendations, RIS standardisation, and coherence with EU initiatives such as NAIADES III, DTLF, EMDS, and eFTI.