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    Inland waterway transport in logistics: Transport by sea, river and canal

    Environmentally friendly, reliable and cost-efficient: Inland waterway transport is an integral part of logistics. We ensure your freight reaches its destination on time through Europe’s waterways.

    Inland waterway logistics
    Advantages
    Europe’s largest fleet
    Gallery of ship types
    Contact
    FAQ
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    Inland waterways logistics: Goods at a glance

    With our expertise and experience, we ensure the proper transportation of your freight. We comply with the European requirements for the transportation of waste products such as waste wood, glass, contaminated soil and industrial slag. Our GMP-certified fleet allows us to offer various services for GMP goods. Logistics services for bulk goods or general cargo round out our portfolio, giving you a tailor-made solution for your cargo. In addition to transporting goods on inland waterways, our fleet is used for other tasks. Seven bilge de-oiling boats are responsible for the disposal of waste containing oil and grease from ship operations. One of the main tasks is the collection and subsequent professional disposal of bilge water.

    Our seven bunker boats operate on all European waterways supply goods and passenger ships with lubricants and fresh water, for example.

    Close-up view of stainless steel ventilation or exhaust pipes lined up in a row on a rooftop against a bright sky.

    Advantages for you

    Inland waterway vessels offer a lot of cargo capacity. For example, it is estimated that a river barge can carry between 40 to 60 times the load of a truck.

    Because of their large transport volume, inland waterways provide a cost-effective way to transport goods.

    Compared to other modes of transportation, inland waterway transport is more climate friendly and helps reduce congestion on the road network.

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    Europe’s largest fleet – Rhenus ships in operation

    • Our extensive network enables us to transport your products across borders throughout Europe.
    • Our large fleet offers you a high degree of delivery reliability. With around 1,000 ship units in daily use, we operate the biggest inland waterway fleet in Europe.
    • Thanks to just-in-time delivery, your freight reaches the right place at the right time. Inland waterway transport is the most reliable and predictable logistics option, making it ideal for your just-in-time projects.
    • With more than 200 years of experience, we have the solution for your logistics needs and ensure that your logistics operations run smoothly.
    A cargo vessel on a river, carrying stacked colorful shipping containers, with a cityscape
    Container transport by barge

    Containers can be transported efficiently and in an environmentally friendly way on inland waterway vessels throughout the European river network.

    A yellow environmental service boat moving across still waters under a blue sky
    Bilge oil separator

    This specialized vessel is responsible for the disposal of waste oil, solid waste and oil-water mixtures.

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

    Push units enable the transport of large quantities of goods using push boats and push barges.

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

    Our bunker boats supply inland vessels with fuel and drinking water.

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

    Touring boats are also part of the Rhenus fleet.

    Friendly call center agent who is talking to a customer

    Are you looking for a partner for inland waterways logistics?

    With our experience and expertise, our experts are happy to help you find a tailor-made solution.

    Frequently asked questions

    Inland waterway transport refers to shipping on rivers and canals. Inland waterway logistics includes the transport of various goods by inland waterway.

    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 helps ease congestion in rail and road networks.

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

    There are nearly no limits to inland waterway logistics – from bulk goods to general cargo and from waste to GMP goods, virtually any type of cargo can be transported.