Following a very difficult period, the inland waterway sector must work together more effectively to
get back on its feet. Only by joining forces with fellow skippers and
shippers can inland waterway transport improve its position in the logistics chain. That
is the view of Minister Schultz van Haegen of Infrastructure and the Environment.
Strengthening the market structure in inland waterway transport
“Better
cooperation strengthens the overall position of inland waterway transport. The sector is
indispensable both for the Netherlands and abroad.” The minister made these
remarks in response to the conclusions of the report ‘Strengthening
the market structure in inland waterway transport’ by research consultancy STC-Nestra and
Maverick Advocaten.
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Too many barriers to collaboration
A striking conclusion from the report is that, despite the difficult
financial difficulties, is not making enough progress. There are reportedly so many barriers
to achieving cooperation that it often fails to materialise. The minister suggests
therefore argues that market players must tackle the fragmentation of the market and the associated
problems with matching supply to demand. This can be achieved by
implementing the recommendations set out in the report.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
