The inland freight waterway transport sector in France is projected to decrease over the coming years. In 2023, the number of enterprises stood at 572. From 2024 to 2028, forecasts indicate a downward trend, declining from 551 enterprises in 2024 to 468 in 2028. The year-on-year variation shows an average annual reduction, with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) reflecting a continuous decrease of enterprises over these five years.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential impacts of sustainable transport policies and environmental regulations driving operational changes within the sector.
Advancements in technology and infrastructure improvements potentially revitalizing some enterprises.
Shifts in trade patterns and economic conditions which might affect demand for inland freight waterway transport.