The inland waterway transport sector in France is set to experience a gradual decline in the number of enterprises over the forecast period from 2024 to 2028. Starting from 847 enterprises in 2024, the sector is expected to see a year-on-year decrease, culminating in 788 enterprises by 2028. This represents an average annual contraction of approximately 1.8% over the five years, indicating a sustained downward trend.

Future trends to watch for include:

The impact of policy changes, such as environmental regulations, on the operational dynamics and cost structures within the sector.
Technological advancements in logistics and green technologies that could offer new opportunities for growth or consolidation.
Changing market demands, including shifts in cargo types and intermodal transport preferences, which may influence market structure.