Inland shipping, and by extension multimodal goods transport,
have been characterised by a series of problem areas and
mismatches with the market. These challenges and problem areas
manifest themselves mainly around the use of small waterways for
transport purposes: Young barge-skippers aspire to large
vessels. They generate more cash flow and higher operating
margins and attract financing by suppliers of credit more
easily. Increasing lack of small canal barges. Since the 70s of
the last century no small vessels have been added to the fleet.
Living and working on a vessel. Today traditional inland
navigation is done by a fleet of inland ships provided with
living accommodation. The barge-skipper lives and works on the
barge. This results in a rather closed environment that often
accords to only a limited extent with the expectations of what
is currently available on the job market. Too low intake of
labour. Supply does not meet demand. Vital role of small
waterways and small vessels. They act as satellites f