1. Challenges, Approaches and Experiences in upscaling the role of IWT
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2. Introduction STC-NESTRA
Head Office in Rotterdam
STC-NESTRA
Netherlands Expert Group for Sustainable TRAnsport and Logistics
Member of the STC-Group
Knowledge partner in IWT for:
European Commission, National Ministries of Transport, Waterway Authorities, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, UNECE, Associations, private parties
Recent experiences and project involvement:
EU, South America (Colombia, Brazil, Argentina), Asia (China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia), Africa (Egypt), Eastern Europe (Ukraine)
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3. Worldwide Trend to (Re)develop IWT
But:
1. Focus was/is given to other uses of the waterways:
Hydro power, irrigation, drinking water, flood control, recreation, …….: leading to limitations for IWT use
2. Poor competitive position as compared to other modes:
Old, small and expensive vessels
High entry barriers (investments)
Little integration in supply chains
3. Poor image:
IWT is seen as a heritage from the old days, only for slow moving, low value cargoes
Societal benefits are unknown
4. Low knowledge levels:
Shippers not aware of IWT features
Limited innovations in the industry
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4. Common Issues in IWT markets
Identifying cargo flow potential, pro-active approaches needed
Fleet innovation, and greening (shallow draft, low emission, efficient)
Improving waterway capabilities
Lower entry barriers (investment in vessels and financing)
Integration of IWT in multimodal corridors, and port-hinterland connectivity
Locate industries along the waterways
Limited mandate of the waterway authority (providing draft)
Funding and cost recovery for new/improved infrastructures
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5. Practice/Experience
Supportive policy from governments is a prerequisite
Integrated development plans take into account IWT
The shippers and logistic industry is actively involved
Innovative approaches are applied
Dedicated solutions are developed following the characteristics of the country, commodity and the waterway
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6. Good Practices are Reproducable
Although waterway characteristics may be different
Waterway management models (River Commissions, Waterway Authorities, private sector involvement)
IWT policy and strategy
Fleet innovation/upgrading schemes
Incentive schemes
Unfortunately
A knowledge exchange mechanism does not exist
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7. China Experiences From Capacity to Quality
First: ports/terminals, waterways, fleet
Followed by: safety, environmental focus, service integration
Strong government push and supporting policies
High innovation level (IT applications, air-IWT)
Standardisation (fleet, RIS, waste)
Greening strategy (LNG, emission control, waste)
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8. India Developments NW1 project (Ganges/Hoogly River):
Engineering solutions (dredging limitations)
Environmental measures (nature reserves)
Shallow draft vessel designs
Clean vessel strategy (LNG/methanol/electric)
Capacity development (130,000 new jobs)
Logistic division in the waterway authority, active cargo search, involvement of cargo owners and traders
Multimodal terminals, freight villages, extended gates
101 additional National Waterways declared
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9. Contact Details STC-NESTRA Harrie de Leijer
Lloystraat Port Number 230
3024 EA Rotterdam
P.O Box
3002 JC Rotterdam
The Netherlands
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