This paper examines the situation of Europe's Inland Waterways, in particular the Rhine-Main-Danube Link and the proposed Danube (Vistula)-Oder-Elbe Links, and considers their role in future European transport systems. The route of each waterway is described and details given of fleets and methods of operation. Differences between operations in Western and Eastern Europe are identified. Traffic forecasts are given and the legal system and competitive conditions prevailing are outlined. Measures aimed at protecting the Western European Inland Waterway Transport market are discussed including the second additional protocol to the Convention of Mannheim and national legislation in the federal Republic of Germany. The advantages of inland waterway transport are listed and include existing capacity, suitability for bulk transport and cheapness. Infrastructure improvements and the construction of missing links however call for a level of investment that is unlikely to be forthcoming. There is also a need to establish the principle of freedom of navigation on a Europe-wide basis.
Abstract