A world without transport is a world without trade and without goods. And a world without transport and goods is impossible to imagine. But climate change, dwindling natural resources and traffic gridlocks mean we must make the choice to use more sustainable transport and thus maintain our competitive edge. “Just add water” highlights how adding waterways to transport logistics will help to realize Europe’s green economy. It also provides guidance on how to multiply existing best practices over Europe’s water regions. The brochure provides guidance for preparing for the future by building a solid transport policy strategy and equipping people with effective implementation tools

“A changing world” presents a vision of a future in which inland navigation is fully integrated into logistics supply chains and is the optimal choice for efficient and environmentally friendly transportation. The brochure spells out concrete measures to be taken in order to maximize the contribution of inland navigation to green transport policy in Europe by the holistic improvement of existing waterway infrastructure, the creation of truly multi-modal sea and inland ports, the continuation of and improvement to the already existing River Information Services and developing inland waterways to provide sustainable regional development.

60% of all traffic congestion takes place within city walls. Bumper to bumper traffic not only hinders the individual commuter, but also prevents companies from achieving their delivery targets. Europe’s rivers and canals reach deep into the heart of many towns and cities. High-performance waterways are catalysts for sustainable mobility of goods and people. In this brochure, cities, ports and companies show how to tackle congestion and greenhouse gases by joining forces on the urban waterfront by using innovative solutions in urban logistics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.