In some countries inland waterway traffic accounts for the main part of total inland transport but usually more attention is paid by governments to faster modes of transport. Certain micro- and macro-economic factors as well as technological developments are beginning to favour this type of transport however. With the aim of developing an efficient multi-modal through transport system the author poses several questions regarding transport modal characteristics required, significant advantages of inland navigation, possible demand for inland waterway transport and the type of policy required for inland waterway transport. The characteristics of current inland waterway vessels and waterways are examined. A rapid growth in the use of container and ro/ro (roll on/roll off) ships on the Rhine is described and suggestions made for improving fleets with particular reference to Belgium. Given these improvements waterways are shown to have the advantages of low energy consumption, economies of scale, low tariffs, continuous movement and modern vessels. There is a demand for their use for transporting particular products, e.g. agricultural products, petroleum, but a coherent policy is required to prevent overcapacity. Suggestions are made for the formulation of a strategic policy model. Measures proposed by a working group to rehabilitate Belgium inland navigation are outlined.
Abstract