Brussels,

Market Observation

The European Commission, in cooperation with the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR), monitors the performance and trends of the inland waterway transport (IWT) sector through detailed market observation reports.

Objectives of Market Monitoring:

• Provide reliable data and analysis on freight volumes, vessel types, economic trends, and employment
• Identify bottlenecks, infrastructure gaps, and economic barriers
• Support evidence-based policymaking at EU and national levels
• Assess the sector’s resilience, particularly in response to external shocks (e.g. COVID-19, drought, energy prices)

Key Resources:

• Annual Market Observation Reports
  Issued jointly by the CCNR and the EU, these reports cover:
  • Cargo transport trends by region and commodity
  • Fleet development and capacity
  • Port traffic statistics
  • Investment and innovation trends
    Go to CCNR Market Reports
    
• Interactive Dashboards
  Some indicators are also accessible via digital platforms that allow users to visualise trends over time.

Focus Topics:

• Modal share of IWT in EU logistics
• Climate impacts on navigability (e.g. low water levels on Rhine/Danube)
• Energy transition and greening of inland vessels
• Financial performance of IWT companies