The WISTAR project (Waterways for Green Inland Sustainable Transport and Rural Businesses) aims to promote inland waterway transport (IWT) as a sustainable alternative for rural businesses in France, Germany, and Belgium. As a transnational initiative, it fosters collaboration among North-West Europe (NWE) countries, leveraging in particular the agricultural and fisheries sectors to enhance regional economic growth. The project integrates innovative technologies, such as shallow water-capable e-ships and simplified transshipment points, to improve supply chain efficiency and energy consumption. Digital solutions and e-commerce integration further strengthen rural-urban connectivity and optimise trips.
This report, titled "Business Model", analyses how IWT services across urban and rural areas in Germany, France, and Belgium create value for agrifood logistics chain stakeholders, how to reach the customers, and what are the economical perspectives. The report addresses for each three use cases the conceptual business model, its success factors, and the stakeholders to be involved for its implementation. It also explores the potential for transferring concepts between NWE regions.