Working year 2008-2009

No review of this year could be complete without mention of the economic crisis. The crisis hit hard in the sector with volumes tumbling as trade diminished globally, causing a reduction in demand for transport services.
However, every crisis also brings opportunities and it is vital that the sector and its allies avoid the trap of short-term thinking as a crisis response to the crisis and continue to make investments in a long term future. Although it may take some time for the volumes to recover, congestion on the European roads will eventually continue to grow, and more and more shippers will turn to waterways as a solution. This, coupled with growing concern about the environment and a commitment to developing sustainable supply chains offers hope for the future of the sector.
The potential of transport by water can easily be unlocked. We need to create truly green corridors, encourage knowledge transfer between sectors and ensure access to finance that is tailor made to small businesses.