The WISTAR project, Waterways for Green Inland Sustainable Transport and Rural Businesses, aims to develop sustainable urban logistics solutions in North-West Europe (NWE) by leveraging Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) to create an eco-friendly supply chain that aligns with both environmental and economic objectives. This report delves into the challenges, opportunities, and actionable strategies for integrating renewable energy solutions and optimizing transshipment points specifically designed for inland waterway logistics.

The report addresses three key objectives:

1. Market Demand Analysis: We assess the demand for IWT services across urban and rural areas in Germany, France, and Belgium. The study examines the role of inland waterways in sectors such as agrifood, last-mile urban deliveries, and intermodal logistics, focusing on how these services can meet business needs while reducing transportation costs and environmental impact.
2. Transportation Infrastructure and Renewable Energy Concepts: This section evaluates the current infrastructure supporting IWT in each region, highlighting renewable energy options such as bio-GNC, hydrogen, and electric energy for transport logistics. The report also examines the potential for adopting energy-efficient practices in line with local and national regulatory frameworks.
3. Identification of Transshipment Points: The report offers a mapping of potential transshipment points that can serve as strategic hubs for IWT operations. These points enable flexible and decentralized logistics solutions, reducing dependency on traditional ports and facilitating supply chain connections between rural and urban regions.

The findings highlight the potential for IWT to become a cornerstone of sustainable logistics in the NWE area. WISTAR’s transnational approach underscores the need for collaborative efforts to harmonize policies, streamline regulations, and foster infrastructure development, ensuring that solutions are tailored to each country’s unique characteristics.

In summary, the WISTAR project envisions a green, integrated supply chain model that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supports energy efficiency, and promotes the economic growth of rural-urban logistics networks in North-West Europe. By developing region-specific recommendations and best practices, this report sets the foundation for a sustainable logistics framework capable of evolving to meet future challenges.