Industry Statistics and Trends
Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe key trends
Germany and the Netherlands dominate inland waterway freight transport.
Inland freight water transport is dominated by Germany and the Netherlands, thanks to their extensive waterway infrastructure.
Inland waterway freight transport volumes struggles.
The inland freight water volumes have been falling strongly for over a decade, driven by weak demand, geopolitical tensions and adverse climate conditions alongside competition from road freight.
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Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe
Industry Revenue
Total value and annual change from 2012-2030. Includes 5-year outlook.
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Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe market size (2020-2025)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 6.2 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €6.8bn in 2025.
Trends and Insights
Inland waterway freight transport performs poorly across Europe
- Eurostat reported that in 2020, measured in tonne-kilometres, inland waterway transport volumes decreased by 5.9% as the COVID-19 outbreak weakened business activity and reduced demand. According to Eurostat, after activity levels rebounded by a slight 3.6% in 2021, in 2022, the EU inland waterway freight transport industry recorded a sharp 9.8% drop (or 13 million tonne-kilometres) in freight volumes, reaching its lowest level in a decade. Further, the share of inland waterways in the EU’s freight transport dropped to a new low of 1.6% in 2022, highlighting its faltering significance in overall EU trade.
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Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe outlook (2025-2030)
Market size is projected to decline over the next five years.
Inland waterways hold untapped potential as a sustainable transport mode
- Inland water transport can play a pivotal role in sustainable freight transport across Europe. According to the European Parliamentary Research Service in February 2022, inland waterway transport is one of the most CO2-efficient transport methods per tonne-kilometre, using only 17 % of the energy needed by often-congested road transport and 50 % of rail transport. As such, it can be viewed as a pivotal part of supply chains, with businesses across Europe looking to reduce their climate impact across the whole supply chain.
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Revenue
€6.8bn
Employees
17,126
Wages
€XXX.Xm
European Leaders & Laggards
Top 5 Countries
- Norway +9.2%
- Sweden +8.2%
- Italy +3.3%
- France -0.7%
- United Kingdom -1.3%
Bottom 5 Countries
- Bosnia & Herzegovina -4.1%
- Slovakia -3.4%
- Czechia -3.2%
- Germany -2.7%
- Spain -2.0%
* CAGR values are for the years 2020-2025.
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Biggest companies in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe
| Company | Market Share (%)
2025 | Revenue (€m)
2025 | Profit (€m)
2025 | Profit Margin (%)
2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hafen und Guterverkehr Koln (HGK) Shipping GmbH | 599.5 | 20.5 | 3.4 | |
AP Moller - Maersk A/S | 53,545.9 | 6,733.9 | 12.6 | |
Rhenus SE & Co KG | 8,364.0 | 315.0 | 3.8 |
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Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe
Products & Services Segmentation
Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.
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Top Questions Answered in this Report
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What is the market size of the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe in 2025?
The market size of the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe is €6.8bn in 2025.
How many businesses are there in the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe in 2025?
There are 5,831 businesses in the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe, which has declined at a CAGR of 1.5 % between 2020 and 2025.
Has the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe has been declining at a CAGR of 6.2 % between 2020 and 2025.
What is the forecast growth of the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe is expected to decline.
What does the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe include?
International transport and National transport are part of the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe.
Which countries have the most businesses in the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe?
The European country with the most businesses in the Inland Freight Water Transport industry is Netherlands.
How competitive is the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe?
The level of competition is moderate and steady in the Inland Freight Water Transport industry in Europe.
Related Industries
This industry is covered in 37 countries
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Russia
- Inland Freight Water Transport in France
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Romania
- Inland Freight Water Transport in the UK
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Poland
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Finland
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Bulgaria
- Inland Freight Water Transport in the UK
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Germany
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Greece
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Spain
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Switzerland
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Denmark
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Germany
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Croatia
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Serbia
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Belgium
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Italy
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Austria
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Norway
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Portugal
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Inland Freight Water Transport in the Netherlands
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Hungary
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Czechia
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Sweden
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Slovakia
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Slovenia
- Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Companies in this industry transport freight via rivers, canals, lakes and other inland waterways, including inside harbours and ports. The rental of vessels with crew for inland freight water transport is also included in the industry, though the rental of commercial ships or boats without crew is industry-related.
Related Terms
FREIGHT RATES MODAL SHIFT DRY BULKLIQUID BULKWhat's included in this industry?
International transport National transportTransit transportCompanies
Hafen und Guterverkehr Koln (HGK) Shipping GmbHAP Moller - Maersk A/SRhenus SE & Co KGIndustry Code
5022 - Inland freight water transport in Europe
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Performance
Key Takeaways
Inland waterway freight transport performs poorly across Europe
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Revenue Highlights
Trends
- Revenue
- 2025 Revenue Growth
- Revenue Volatility
Employment Highlights
Trends
- Employees
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Employee
Business Highlights
Trends
- Businesses
- Employees per Business
- Revenue per Business
Profit Highlights
Trends
- Total Profit
- Profit Margin
- Profit per Business
Current Performance
Charts
- Revenue in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Employees in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Business in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
- Profit in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry (2012 -2030)
Analysis
What's driving current industry performance in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry?
Outlook
Analysis
What's driving the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry outlook?
Volatility
Analysis
What influences volatility in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix
Life Cycle
Analysis
What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry?
Charts
- Industry Life Cycle Matrix
Products and Markets
Highlights
Trends
- Largest Market
- Product Innovation
Key Takeaways
Countries like Germany and Belgium rely on international freight water transport. The Netherlands, Germany, Romania and Belgium engage in substantial international inland freight transport thanks to their extensive waterway infrastructure, inflating the European share of international transport.
Products and Services
Charts
- Products and Services Segmentation
Analysis
How are the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry's products and services performing?
Analysis
What are innovations in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry's products and services?
Major Markets
Charts
- Major Market Segmentation
Analysis
What influences demand in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry?
International Trade
Highlights
- Largest Importer
- Smallest Importer
- Total Imports into Europe
- Largest Exporter
- Smallest Exporter
- Total Exports into Europe
Heat maps
- Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
- Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Data Tables
Value and annual change (%) included
- Number of Imports and Exports by European Country (2025)
Geographic Breakdown
Business Locations
Heat maps
- Share of Total Industry Revenue by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Enterprises by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Employment by Region (2025)
- Share of Total Industry Wages by Region (2025)
Industry Geographic Breakdown
Data Tables
Values and annual change provided for 37 European countries:
- Revenue (2025)
- IVA (2025)
- Enterprises (2025)
- Employment (2025)
- Exports (2025)
- Imports (2025)
Competitive Forces
Highlights
Trends
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
Key Takeaways
The industry's high and geographical barriers limit market share concentration. Because of the vast number of inland waterways in Europe, it is difficult for one company to capture a substantial market share.
Supply Chain
Charts
Buyer and supply industries
Companies
Market Share
Charts
- Industry Market Share by Company (2020-2025)
Companies
Data Tables
Top 10 companies by market share:
- Market share (2025)
- Revenue (2025)
- Profit (2025)
- Profit Margin (2025)
Data Tables
- Countries of operation for Hafen und Guterverkehr Koln (HGK) Shipping GmbH
- Countries of operation for AP Moller - Maersk A/S
- Countries of operation for Rhenus SE & Co KG
- Countries of operation for Gefo Gesellschaft für Oeltransporte mbH
- Countries of operation for DFDS Group
- Countries of operation for CMA CGM SA
- Countries of operation for Interstream Barging Vegoil BV
- Countries of operation for Repsol Trading SA
- Countries of operation for Grimaldi Group SpA
- Countries of operation for GPS Marine Contractors Ltd
External Environment
Highlights
Trends
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key Takeaways
Companies must adhere to regulations related to vessel specifications in Europe. Directive (EU) 2016/1629 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2016 lays down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels.
External Drivers
Analysis
What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry?
Financial Benchmarks
Highlights
Trends
- Profit Margin
- Average Wage
- Largest Cost
Key Takeaways
Inflationary pressure and low freight volumes weigh on profit. Many companies have seen their revenue dip as customers switch to quicker, reliable modes of transport, like road and rail, intensifying price competition.
Cost Structure
Charts
- Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
-
Industry Cost Structure Benchmarks:
- Marketing
- Depreciation
- Profit
- Purchases
- Wages
- Rent
- Utilities
- Other
Analysis
What trends impact cost in the Inland Freight Water Transport in Europe industry?
Key Ratios
Data tables
- IVA/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Imports/Demand (2015-2030)
- Exports/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Revenue per Employee (2015-2030)
- Wages/Revenue (2015-2030)
- Employees per Establishment (2015-2030)
- Average Wage (2015-2030)
Country Benchmarks
European Leaders & Laggards
Data Tables
Top and bottom five countries listed for each:
- Revenue Growth (2025)
- Business Growth (2025)
- Job Growth (2025)
European Country Performance
Data Tables
Rankings available for 37 countries. Statistics ranked include:
- IVA/Revenue (2025)
- Imports/Demand (2025)
- Exports/Revenue (2025)
- Revenue per Employee (2025)
- Wages/Revenue (2025)
- Employees per Establishment (2025)
- Average Wage (2025)
Structural Comparison
Data Tables
Trends in 37 countries benchmarked against trends in Europe
- Concentration
- Competition
- Barriers to Entry
- Buyer Power
- Supplier Power
- Volatility
- Capital Intensity
- Innovation
- Life Cycle
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2015-2030)
- IVA (2015-2030)
- Establishments (2015-2030)
- Enterprises (2015-2030)
- Employment (2015-2030)
- Exports (2015-2030)
- Imports (2015-2030)
- Wages (2015-2030)
Methodology
Where does IBISWorld source its data?
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