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    Inland waterway transport in logistics: Transport by river and canal

    Environmentally friendly, reliable and cost-efficient: inland waterway transport has become an integral part of logistics – for good reason. We get your freight to its destination on time via Europe’s waterways.

    Inland waterways logistics
    Your Benefits
    Transportation
    Europe's largest fleet
    Gallery of ship types
    Contact
    FAQ
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    Inland waterways logistics: Goods at a glance

    Inland waterway transport offers numerous advantages for modern supply chains: large transport capacities, high planning reliability, energy-efficient routes and a sustainable alternative to road and rail. This allows supply flows to be managed reliably, economically and in a resource-efficient manner – 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.

    Compared to other modes of transport, inland waterway transport is not only more climate-friendly, but also has other advantages, such as relieving congestion on the road network.

    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.
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    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.

    A cargo vessel on a river, carrying stacked colorful shipping containers, with a cityscape
    Bulk and break bulk

    Our core activity in inland shipping is the transportation of bulk and break bulk cargo along Europe’s waterways.

    A cargo vessel on a river, carrying stacked colorful shipping containers, with a cityscape
    Container transport

    Containers can be transported efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner via inland vessel on the European river network.

    A yellow environmental service boat moving across still waters under a blue sky
    Bilge de-oiling boats

    This special-purpose vessel disposes of waste oil, solid waste and oil-water mixtures.

    A long cargo barge transporting various types of goods along a river
    Push units

    Push-pull units enable the transport of large quantities of goods by push boat and push barge.

    A tugboat navigating through a river, flying multiple flags, with an industrial background
    Bunker boats

    Our bunker boats, like the Rheintank 2, supply inland vessels with fuel and drinking water.

    A white passenger boat cruising along a river, with a scenic view
    Touring boats

    Tourist boats are also part of the fleet.

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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.

    Compared to other modes of transportation, inland waterway shipping is more environmentally friendly due to its high transport capacity and comparatively low energy consumption. The combination of high payloads and low manpower requirements also makes inland waterway shipping a cost-effective mode of transport. It also reduces congestion on the rail and road 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.