Inland waterways should be viewed as a system

Reliable, safe and environmentally friendly transport is a fundamental prerequisite for a competitive and sustainable economy in Germany. Thanks to its low transport costs, safety and reliability, inland waterway transport already makes a significant contribution to reducing road and rail traffic. Given its spare capacity, this mode of transport has potential for further growth. In addition, inland waterway transport makes a substantial contribution to reducing transport-related emissions due to its high energy efficiency in relation to transport performance.

Nevertheless, the industry faces major challenges. These include, in particular, decarbonisation, the consequences of climate change, such as extended periods of low water, and the shortage of skilled workers. Companies, politicians and administrators should focus on overcoming these challenges. The innovation drive that has already begun in inland waterway transport should be intensified.

Modernising the fleet

Due to the interaction between ships and waterways, the potential of inland waterway transport can only be exploited if ships and waterways are understood and optimised as a coordinated system. For example, waterway infrastructure projects should take into account promising, innovative ship designs, among other important factors.

The shipping fleet must be further modernised in order to meet the challenges. This includes greater energy efficiency and decarbonisation through new propulsion systems in order to achieve climate neutrality for this mode of transport. The conversion of smaller passenger ships shows that this is already possible today. The focus should now be on modernising the largest emitters, for example cargo ships.

The early integration of inland waterway transport into the EU Emissions Trading System can contribute to this. Initial steps have been taken in the Netherlands, for example. The Dutch are also relatively far ahead in the introduction of climate-friendly fuels and are requiring fuel suppliers to increase the share of sustainable fuels.

On the other hand, innovative ship designs that adapt to lower water levels are part of the solution. New ship designs should be implemented using hydraulic engineering approaches. Representatives of the maritime industry are discussing ‘The Role of Short Sea Shipping and Inland Waterway Transport in the Energy Transition and Modal Shift’ on tuesday. (bom/rok)

The Role of Short Sea Shipping and Inland Waterway Transport in the Energy Transition and Modal Shift, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., B1.232