Strategic MoU Signed at India Maritime Week 2025 to Operate Tug-Barge Services Across National Waterways
Rhenus India and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate enhanced cargo movement across the country’s National Waterways. The agreement, finalized during India Maritime Week 2025, focuses on the construction and operation of specialized tug-barge vessels to streamline riverine logistics in the region.
The partnership targets several critical routes, including National Waterways NW-1, NW-2, and NW-16, as well as the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route. By deploying a combination of pushers and barges specifically suited for low-draft navigation, Rhenus aims to transport bulk and break-bulk cargo across North, East, and Northeast India, eventually extending services to neighboring countries.
Leveraging European Expertise for Indian Waterways
Rhenus Group, which has maintained a legacy in inland navigation along the Rhine since 1912, intends to apply its extensive European port logistics expertise to India’s burgeoning Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector. The company currently manages a fleet of approximately 1,000 vessels operating daily on European waterways.
Tobias Bartz, CEO of the Rhenus Group, identified the development of the IWT network as a strategic priority, noting that waterways are becoming essential drivers of trade and regional transformation in India. This collaboration reflects a commitment to creating scalable and sustainable transport corridors that connect various industries and communities across the subcontinent.
Reviving Inland Trade and Multimodal Connectivity
The agreement was a highlight of India Maritime Week, a biennial global event hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The conference brought together industry leaders from over 100 countries to discuss the future of maritime trade.
During a panel session titled “Reviving Veins of Inland Trade,” Vivek Arya, CEO of Rhenus India, discussed strategies to revitalize riverine logistics and integrate inland routes into national supply chains. He emphasized that India’s maritime sector is on a transformative path, supported by government initiatives such as Sagarmala and the Jal Marg Vikas Project.
The move toward inland waterways is viewed as a game-changer for the Indian logistics landscape, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional road and rail transport. By focusing on multimodal and sustainable solutions, Rhenus aims to enable cleaner and more connected supply chains throughout India.
อัพเดตข่าวสารและบทความที่น่าสนใจในอุตสาหกรรมโลจิสติกส์ก่อนใคร ผ่าน Line Official Account @Logistics Mananger เพียงเพิ่มเราเป็นเพื่อน @Logistics Manager หรือคลิกที่นี่
