Waterway transport is the solution for a cheaper, more economical and more efficient way of transport, according to real estate group Ceusters. Given the investments made on the transnational European network, transport via waterways seems likely to continue in the long term. "It is cheaper, more economical and more punctual than using trucks. It is therefore one of the most obvious solutions to the congestion problem on our roads," said Ingrid Ceusters, CEO of the Ceusters real estate group, to NewMobility.
"Our country has all assets to make more use of this alternative network. Belgium has 1,076 km of waterways, located at the heart of the 25,000 km long European network, connecting all the main industrial and maritime centres," added Ceusters.
Back in 2017, Belgian barges have travelled over 11 billion kilometres and transported 36,808 containers, which is around 201 million tons.
In spite of investments, Wallonia’s waterways are still lagging behind. According to the March 2019 numbers from Iweps, the regional administration, the tonnage has not increased since 2000. Today, still only 42 million tons are transported on the 451 km long Walloon waterway network, reported NewMobility.
However, the 500 million euros investment program launched in 2017 by the mayor of Namur, Maxime Prévot (cdH), will start in 2019, and the newly opened Perex 4.0 traffic control centre will help manage the long term waterway traffic increase.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
