Karin De Schepper, Secretary General of Inland Navigation Europe (INE) received the Insignia of Knight of the National Order of Merit from the Republic of France at a ceremony in Brussels on April 22nd. The award was presented by Monsieur François Bordry, former Chairman of Voies navigables de France, the French waterway management authority.

The French National Order of Merit rewards distinguished merit in a public post, civilian or military, or in the exercise of a private activity. The prestigious award was established by General de Gaulle in 1963 and is given at the discretion of the French President.

"I join my colleagues in extending to Karin my heartfelt congratulations on her receipt of the National Order of Merit," said Hilde Bollen, chairperson of INE. "This is a high honour indeed, and it pleases all of us to know that Karin’s dedication to inland navigation has gained for itself the wide respect it deserves."

In receiving her award, Ms De Schepper said, "I regard the honour of being chosen to receive this award as encouragement to continue in the sector and I would like to thank all my inspiring colleagues and friends who have worked by my side to promote transport by water as a valuable partner in green supply chains. "This is not a reason to stop working, but an invitation to continue the mission to address the major challenges ahead. Our work is far from finished. Powerful shifts are taking place in the economy, in society and in our daily lives which will have strong impacts on the organisation of logistics and waterway transport. I look forward to continuing to meet the challenge and to shape creative strategies together with all the enthusiastic partners with whom I have the pleasure of sharing the passion of Europe’s rivers and canals."

Ms De Schepper has over twelve years experience in shipping and inland waterways. She has been General Secretary of Inland Navigation Europe (INE) since 2001. She has been responsible for developing the organization into an effective and far-reaching advocacy and lobbying instrument for the benefit of inland navigation. Ms De Schepper has three masters’ degrees, in maritime science, international and European community law and in translation. She speaks seven languages. She is a frequent guest lecturer and speaker at universities and conferences throughout Europe.

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