River transport to play key role in decarbonising Germany – govt report

Waterway transport is “a key building block for a climate neutral and resilient economy” and could be central to important future markets such as the circular economy, the hydrogen economy, onshore wind energy, biomass, battery recycling and carbon dioxide transport, according to a report commissioned by Germany’s transport ministry.

The report by consultancy Prognos looked at potential growth areas for inland waterway transport up to 2040. The authors concluded that river vessels could be key to transporting large onshore wind electricity components as well as new material flows generated by the emerging circular economy – where materials are reused rather than discarded. Transporting hydrogen by river, especially derivatives such as ammonia or methanol, could complement pipeline transport, particularly in the early stages of the hydrogen economy, they added.

“Our aim is to consistently harness this potential – through modern infrastructure, innovative technologies and reliable framework conditions,” said transport minister Patrick Schnieder.

The authors recommended that Germany digitalise and automate processes, support alternative propulsion systems, and develop space for storage in ports, saying that waterway shipping can make an important contribution to reducing emissions compared with road freight transport.

Germany's Rhine river is a central artery for industrial supply chains, essential for the chemicals, coal and steel industries. However, drought conditions and changes in precipitation patterns caused by climate change have led to record low water levels across Germany’s most important shipping routes in recent years. As is currently the case, water levels are not deep enough for ships to travel, affecting the transport of industrial goods by requiring vessels to sail only part loaded, and requiring loads to be spread over multiple vessels, increasing costs.

Germany adopted a National Water Strategy in 2024 aiming to secure the country’s water reserves, take precautions against water shortages, prevent conflicts over use, tackle the backlog of water infrastructure repairs, and improve the condition of water bodies and water quality.