GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026
Inland Waterway Transport
Inland waterway transport (IWT) is the movement of cargo or passengers along navigable rivers, canals, and lakes using purpose-built inland vessels.
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Source: https://www.ccr-zkr.org
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Definition & Explanation
Inland waterway transport (IWT) is the movement of cargo or passengers along navigable rivers, canals, and lakes using purpose-built inland vessels. It combines low operating costs per tonne with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than road freight, making it competitive for high-volume shipments where transit time is not the primary constraint. In Europe, IWT handles bulk commodities such as coal, ores, and grain, alongside growing container traffic linking seaports with inland terminals. The sector operates under distinct regulatory frameworks, including those of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) and the Danube Commission. It should not be confused with short sea shipping, which covers coastal and intra-European sea routes.
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