In 2023, the Netherlands led the European inland waterway freight transport with a significant share, followed by Germany and Bulgaria. Most countries experienced a decline, with Germany (-5.35%) and France (-7.11%) showing the largest decreases. A few countries, such as Belgium (2.34%) and Poland (2.29%), saw growth.
Looking forward, key trends to watch include technological advancements in shipping, environmental regulations impacting operations, and potential shifts in trade routes due to geopolitical factors. The Netherlands is likely to maintain its lead while ongoing geopolitical tensions could further influence transport patterns across Europe.
Top countries in Volume of Inland Waterway International Freight Transport Transiting by Inland Waterway Throughput Share by Country (Million Tonne Kilometers)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Netherlands | 31.55 | 2023 | +0.28% | +1.1% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Germany | 21.08 | 2023 | -7.5% | -5.35% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Bulgaria | 17.33 | 2023 | -0.81% | -0.41% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Romania | 13.07 | 2023 | -1.3% | -1.75% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Belgium | 4.87 | 2023 | +2.33% | +2.34% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Hungary | 3.05 | 2023 | -3.03% | -1.56% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Slovakia | 2.73 | 2023 | -1.57% | -0.83% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Croatia | 2.34 | 2023 | -2.08% | -0.64% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Austria | 1.49 | 2023 | -6.94% | -3.88% | View data |
| 10 | 10 France | 1.06 | 2023 | -13.75% | -7.11% | View data |
