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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
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    Europe’s largest fleet
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    Inland waterways logistics: Goods at a glance

    Inland waterway transport offers many advantages for modern supply chains: large transport capacities, reliable planning, energy-efficient routes and a sustainable alternative to road and rail. This enables supply flows to be managed reliably, cost-effectively and in a resource-efficient way, even for complex projects or fluctuating volumes.

    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. Additionally our GMP-certified fleet allows us to offer various services for GMP goods. 

    In conjunction with 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.

    Inland waterway transport is one of the most reliable modes of transportation for time-critical shipments and enables precise just-in-time delivery.

    • 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 across borders throughout Europe.
    • Maximum delivery reliability: With Europe's largest inland waterway fleet, consisting of numerous company-owned vessels in service around the clock for our customers, we offer ship sizes and capacities for every transport requirement.
    • 200 years of experience in inland waterways: Our many years of expertise enable 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 make sure 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 – Rhenus ships in operation

    Our diverse fleet enables us to provide inland waterway transport solutions for a wide range of cargo and operational needs. For example, our bilge oil removal boats manage the professional disposal of oil and grease-containing operational waste to keep your fleet ready for service at all times. At the same time, our bunker boats on European waterways supply your cargo and passenger ships with fuel, lubricants and fresh water.

    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.