Despite the challenging conditions, industry representatives are convinced of the advantages of this mode of transport. However, there are several challenges on the road to regaining former strength.

Despite changes in the structure of goods, declining volumes, and the resulting decline in attention for inland waterway transport, industry players are convinced of the potential of waterways – especially regarding the success of the energy transition.

‘The energy transition needs inland waterway transport in its entirety,’ emphasised Professor Stefan Ulreich from Biberach University of Applied Sciences in his keynote speech at an event organised by the German Maritime Centre (DMZ) during transport logistic on Tuesday. The scientist explained that this mode of transport offers a number of climate advantages and has enormous growth potential.

 He is convinced that inland waterway transport can develop much of this potential with the existing infrastructure. ‘We have no choice but to use the mode of transport that still has capacity – and that is waterways,’ said Heike van Hoorn, Managing Director of the German Transport Forum (DVF), in the subsequent discussion. After all, it takes decades for new roads and railways to be planned, approved, and finally built. (...)