Embarking on a new course
A strategic look at the upcoming socioeconomic challenges in the 21st century: jobs and growth, environment and sustainability, safety and security and an invitation for an in-depth dialogue on how smart growth and more energy-efficient inland waterway transportation in Europe can contribute to a dynamic economy with high social and environmental ambitions.

Seine Scheldt
The Seine-Scheldt connection is a priority project of the trans-European networks and will link Paris, Le Havre and Rouen to the Benelux and the western European waterway network to provide a solution for the traffic gridlock on the north-south road corridor. The first works have started and the centrepiece is the new canal Seine Nord, a PPP project to be finalised in 2012.

Environment & Sustainability
Sustainable transport is of course more than sustainable energy and low emissions. The inland waterway sector takes an integrated approach covering increasing traffic safety, reducing noise, cutting emissions, testing new propulsion concepts and halting habitat fragmentation to achieve a positive overall impact on water and air quality, on energy and land use.

Trans European Networks
Infrastructure is not an aim in itself. Transport systems carry goods and people and are driving force behind our economy. Public investment in waterways acts as a magnet for private investment in freight platforms, enhancing a better integration of transport modes and attracting value added logistics activities, which lead to job creation and sustainable distribution solutions.

Facts & Figures
In an enlarged European market, with one economy and open borders, we will undoubtedly transport ever more goods. To develop freight transport in Europe, water is the way to go. Information about the possibilities and advantages of including transport by water in supply chain management. Discover ongoing developments in the waterway network, the inland shipping fleet and latest trends in eco-efficiency.