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

    Environmentally friendly, 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.

    Aerial view of a cargo barge navigating through a wide river, carrying multiple colorful shipping containers, with lush greenery on one side of the riverbank.
    Aerial view of a cargo barge navigating through a wide river, carrying multiple colorful shipping containers, with lush greenery on one side of the riverbank.
    Inland waterway logistics
    Advantages
    Europe’s largest fleet
    Gallery of ship types
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    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. For example, we meet the necessary European requirements for the transportation of waste products such as waste wood, glass, contaminated soil and industrial slag. Thanks to the GMP certification of our shipping fleet, we are able to offer various services for GMP goods. Logistics services for various bulk goods or general cargo complete the service portfolio. This enables us to offer you a tailor-made solution for your cargo.

    In addition to transporting goods on inland waterways, the 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, which operate on all European waterways, are responsible for supplying 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

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

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

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    Europe’s largest fleet – Rhenus ships in operation

    • Our extensive network of branches enables us to transport your products across borders throughout Europe.  
    • Our large fleet structure offers you a high degree of delivery reliability. We have the largest inland waterway fleet in Europe, with around 1,000 ship units in daily use. 
    • Thanks to just-in-time delivery, your freight is in the right place at the right time. In logistics, inland waterway transport is the most predictable mode of transport, 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 in 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 by push boat and push barge.

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

    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 boat

    Touring boats are also part of the Rhenus 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 waterway transport refers to shipping on inland waterways – rivers and canals. Inland waterway logistics therefore includes the transportation of various goods via 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 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 to inland waterway logistics – from bulk goods to general cargo, and from waste to GMP goods, virtually any type of cargo can be transported.