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Inland waterway transport in logistics: Transport by river and canal

Reliable and cost-efficient: inland waterway transport has become an integral part of logistics – and rightly so. We get your freight to its destination on time via Europe’s waterways.

Inland waterways logistics: Goods at a glance

Inland waterway transport offers key advantages for modern supply chains, including large transport capacities, high planning reliability, diverse route options, and a viable alternative to road and rail. This enables supply flows to be managed reliably - even for complex projects or fluctuating volumes.

As specialists in inland waterway transport, we support you with our years of experience in the safe and efficient handling of a wide variety of goods – from containers, bulk goods and waste to project cargo, hazardous goods and transport in hydraulic engineering. We develop solutions that are consistently geared to your requirements and ensure reliable, compliant processing. We provide certified services for special requirements and comply with all relevant European directives. In addition, we offer a broad portfolio of services – from freight forwarding, storage and cargo handling to support with technical and organizational project tasks.

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Your Benefits

German inland waterways logistics alone replaces 8 million truckloads every year.

Thanks to the large transport volume, inland waterways are a cost-effective way of transporting goods.

Inland waterway transport is one of the most reliable methods of transport for time-critical deliveries and allows for precise just-in-time delivery.

Inland waterway transport by Rhenus

  • Comprehensive service: Our team supports you beyond transportation—for example, with port agency services, customs clearance, insurance and other freight forwarding services.
  • Europe-wide coverage: Thanks to our dense network of branches, we transport your products reliably and across borders throughout Europe.
  • Maximum delivery reliability: With Europe's largest inland waterway fleet, consisting of numerous company-owned vessels that are in service for our customers around the clock, we offer ship sizes and capacities for every transport requirement.
  • 200 years of experience: Our many years of expertise ensure smooth processes and tailor-made solutions for your logistics projects.
  • Regulatory compliance: We guarantee secure transport and comply with all European directives – especially when handling sensitive goods.
  • Certified quality: Through services in accordance with GMP, EfBV (German Inland Navigation Waste Ordinance) and other relevant standards, we ensure that even complex or particularly sensitive goods are handled reliably, in compliance with the law and with stable processes.
  • Stable supply chains: Clear processes and high-quality standards ensure transparency and reliability along the entire transport chain.

Europe's largest fleet

Our fleet of different types of ships allows us to develop logistics solutions in inland waterway transport for a wide range of goods and tasks. For example, our bilge oil removal boats take care of the professional disposal of oil and grease-containing operational waste so that your fleet remains ready for use at all times. At the same time, our bunker boats on European waterways ensure that your cargo and passenger ships are supplied with fuel, lubricants and fresh water.

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Looking for a partner for inland waterways logistics?

With our experience and expertise, we will find a tailor-made solution for you. Our experts will be happy to help you!

Frequently asked questions

Inland water transport refers to shipping on inland waterways - rivers and canals. Inland waterway logistics therefore includes the transportation of various goods on inland waterways.

The combination of high payloads and low manpower requirements makes inland waterway shipping a highly cost-effective transport option. Furthermore, it plays a key role in relieving congestion on road and rail networks.

The duration of the transport depends largely on the distance to be covered.

There are almost no limits to inland waterways logistics - from bulk goods to general cargo, from waste to GMP goods, virtually any type of cargo can be transported.