05/06/2023

Workshop “Optimizing the interconnection between inland waterway transport and urban last mile logistics”

Harnessing the Power of Inland Waterways for Sustainable Urban Freight Transport

As cities across the globe are grappling with increasing urban congestion and worsening air quality, it’s becoming essential to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for transporting goods within densely populated areas. This is where the IW-NET partners come in, offering a unique opportunity for stakeholders to bring sustainable change to the urban freight landscape.

Introducing the IW-NET Workshop

The upcoming IW-NET Workshop, titled “Optimizing the interconnection between inland waterway transport and urban last mile logistics”, will be held on June 21, 2023, at the Port of Brussels. The event aims to provide participants with valuable insights and fruitful discussions on enhancing the transportation of goods within dense urban areas.

What to Expect at the Workshop

During this once-in-a-lifetime event, attendees will have the chance to:

1. Listen to innovative pitches and take part in engaging panel discussions with industry experts who will share their knowledge on best practices, overcoming obstacles, and seizing opportunities in the field of urban goods transportation.

2. Experience a barge tour, guided by a knowledgeable port team, showing the ins and outs of inland waterway transport operations and illustrating how this form of goods transportation can successfully be integrated into urban logistics systems.

3. Network with fellow professionals and industry experts who share a common interest in driving sustainable change within urban freight transportation.

What Makes Inland Waterway Transport a Game Changer?

Inland waterway transport has a unique set of advantages that make it an ideal candidate for improving the transportation of goods within urban environments. Some of the key benefits include:

– Emissions reduction: Inland waterway vessels have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to road-based freight transport, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality within urban areas.

– Higher load capacity: Inland waterway vessels have a much larger cargo capacity than trucks, allowing for the consolidation of multiple deliveries and reducing the overall number of trips required to transport goods across urban environments.

– Reduced congestion: By shifting a portion of the freight traffic from roads to waterways, inland waterway transport can help eliminate the congestion that stifles the flow of goods and people within cities.

– Improved safety: Studies have shown that waterway transport is much safer than road transport, which helps reduce the number of accidents and fatalities associated with the transportation of goods.

Preliminary Programme

09:30 Welcome at Port of Brussel and Departure to the meeting venue by bus (please be on time)
10:00 Innovative pitches and panel discussions
13:00 Networking lunch and port-guided tour on a vessel with arrival at the Port of Brussels
14:00 Return to the Port of Brussels

You can register HERE.

Closing Thoughts

The IW-NET Workshop offers professionals and stakeholders a unique opportunity to learn and engage with experts in the field of inland waterway transport and urban logistics. By coming together and sharing insights, knowledge, and innovative ideas, we can create a future where sustainable urban freight transportation is the norm, not the exception.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of goods transportation within urban areas. Register now and join us at the Port of Brussels on June 21, 2023!