A new wave for the inland waterways: Palletized goods

This chapter focuses on the modal shift of palletized goods. Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) has as such its role to play, both for long distance transport and for urban freight distribution. Traditionally, bulk is considered ideal for IWT and container transport via inland waterways is a second large market, which is not saturated yet and remains an important growth market. A SWOT analysis was presented based on both scientific research and experiences which were obtained via in-depth interviews with inland waterway carriers of palletized goods and via regular contacts with transport experts who are monitoring the concept. The outcome from the SWOT analysis and from analyses performed with Location Analysis Model for Barge Transport Of Pallets (LAMBTOP), the GIS-model described in the chapter, demonstrates that the inland waterway sector is currently penetrating the market of the transport of palletized goods. The potential is a reality, and different private actors are already making large investments.