Navigating climate challenges in Inland Waterway Transport: some insights from the CRISTAL project

As Europe intensifies its commitment to achieving climate neutrality, inland waterway transport (IWT) emerges as an important sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, climate change presents both opportunities and threats to its development. This article synthesises findings from recent scientific paper by University of Gdańsk “Climate change – opportunity or threat to the development of inland waterway transport”, done within the CRISTAL project, which explores the resilience of inland waterway transport in the face of climate change. 

Climate change: a double-edged sword for inland waterway transport 

Inland waterways are recognised for their lower environmental footprint compared to road transport. Yet, climate-induced challenges, particularly extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, are increasingly affecting the reliability and efficiency of IWT. The European Environment Agency estimates that from 1980 to 2022, extreme weather events cost EU countries €650 billion. Despite the EU’s push for modal shifts from road to rail and waterways, the trend has been slower than anticipated, with road transport volumes on distances over 300 km still increasing. 

Key findings on IWT resilience and reliability 

A recent study analysing data from 2007–2022 in key European IWT regions, including the Rhine and Danube basins, revealed mixed results regarding the sector’s resilience: 

• Stable or improved performance: Belgium, Romania, and Bulgaria demonstrated stable or improved reliability, suggesting effective adaptation measures. 
• Declining reliability: The Netherlands and Austria showed statistically significant declines in transport stability, indicating increased vulnerability to climate-induced disruptions. 
• Moderate impact: France, Germany, and Hungary experienced fluctuations, but changes were not deemed statistically significant. 

The study highlighted that disruptions due to fluctuating water levels often result in operational inefficiencies, increased costs, and reduced confidence from shippers. These factors undermine efforts to shift freight from road to water, an essential component of the European Green Deal. 

Policy implications and industry action 

To ensure IWT remains a viable alternative to road transport, coordinated action is required at multiple levels: 

• Infrastructure investment: Modernising waterways and integrating digital monitoring tools can enhance adaptability. 
• Regulatory support: Policymakers must prioritise incentives for modal shift and resilience-building projects. 
• Industry collaboration: Logistics operators, policymakers, and research institutions must work together to implement innovative solutions. 

Climate change is transforming the landscape of European transport. While inland waterways offer a sustainable alternative, their reliability must be reinforced through strategic investments and innovation. The CRISTAL project represents a step forward in securing the future of IWT, but broader industry collaboration will be essential to achieving long-term sustainability. 

Button: Download the scientific paper (in Polish): http://www.cristal-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CRISTAL-UniGda_climate_changes_publication_pl.pdf  

About CRISTAL  

The CRISTAL project, funded by the European Commission, is actively developing solutions to enhance the resilience of IWT infrastructure. Launched in 2022 and running until 2025, the project involves 15 partners from nine European countries, focusing on: 

• Real-time waterway monitoring to improve navigation planning. 
• Infrastructure adaptation strategies to maintain service reliability even during extreme weather conditions. 
• Stakeholder engagement to build confidence in IWT’s role in sustainable logistics. 

One of CRISTAL’s key targets is to ensure 80% service reliability during extreme weather events, thereby increasing IWT’s market share by 20% by 2026.