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Inland waterway transport: Reliable and sustainable freight solutions

Inland waterway transport is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to road or rail, ensuring efficient movement of goods between seaports and inland hubs while reducing congestion and CO₂ emissions.

Decades of expertise in inland waterway logistics

With decades of experience in inland waterway transport, Rhenus ensures your cargo is moved safely, efficiently and in full compliance with international standards. Whether you’re shipping bulk goods, general cargo or specialized materials, our tailored logistics solutions provide flexibility, reliability, and complete visibility at every stage. Every shipment is managed with precision to safeguard your schedule, your cargo, and your sustainability goals.

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Your benefits

Inland waterway logistics can replace millions of truckloads each year, helping you ease road congestion, cut emissions and boost the overall efficiency of your freight operations.

Inland waterway logistics gives you a cost-effective way to move goods, handling large freight volumes efficiently while supporting your sustainability goals.

Compared to other transport modes, inland waterway transport offers a more environmentally friendly way to move goods, reducing road congestion and giving your business a sustainable, strategic logistics advantage.

Extensive fleet capacity

  • Reliable capacity across North America – A large and diverse fleet keeps your deliveries consistent and on schedule.
  • Just-in-time performance – Your freight arrives exactly where and when it’s needed, ensuring smooth production and distribution flows.
  • Predictable and sustainable transport – Move high-volume, time-sensitive cargo with a more efficient logistics solution.
  • Centuries of proven expertise – Over 200 years of global logistics experience behind every tailored, cost-efficient inland solution.
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Frequently asked questions

Inland waterway transport refers to shipping on rivers and canals.

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 additionally reduces congestion in rail and road networks.

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

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