In Summary

Inland Waterways is a relatively small transport sector dominated by small-scale enterprises and owner-operators working in an international environment. This requires a bold approach on the European level to offer appropriate social protection. Inland waterways also carry a booming river cruise industry, where workers are often agency staff with poor pay and conditions.

Approximately 40000 people are active on Europe’s 41500km of waterways, of which 11% are women. 24 Member States have waterways, but only 14 are part of the interconnected waterway network.

Europe is a dynamic hub of the river cruise business. In this highly successful and growing industry, the call for larger profits is loud. For workers that can mean harder work, lower wages, longer hours, reduced medical and social provisions, overcrowded crew rooms and accommodation, and even pay discrepancies. These are all the result of cost-cutting measures stemming from the increased competition in the sector. ETF affiliates demand a Fair, Safe and Equal job for everyone working in the European river Cruise sector.  Workers deserve more and should not settle for the current situation. Read more on our dedicated campaign page.

Inland Waterways has approximately a 6.3% share of the total freight volumes in Europe. 65% of all freight transport takes place on the Rhine Corridor, of which 70% is in the Netherlands and Germany. There is still a vast potential to increase the share of freight carried by inland waterways since they are reliable, energy-efficient and still have a lot of unused capacity.

With the support of the European Commission, the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine regularly publishes an Inland Waterways Market Insight, which can be found in English, French, German and Dutch.