Leading global logistics service provider, the Rhenus Group, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). This strategic partnership will enable Rhenus to operate barge services across various National Waterways in India, significantly contributing to the country’s multi-modal logistics ecosystem.
Phased Rollout and Ambitious Growth Targets
In the initial phase, Rhenus will introduce push boats and 20 flat-bottom barges from Germany, each with a capacity of 400 tonnes. These barges can be combined to transport up to 1,200 tonnes per trip. As demand grows, Rhenus India plans to scale its fleet to 100 barges and expand its corridors across the Indian subcontinent. The collaboration with IWAI aims to build a resilient logistics network in India, with an ambitious goal of carrying over a million tonnes of cargo per year by 2025.
The MoU was formally exchanged on May 6, 2025, in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The Minister’s presence underscored the government’s strong commitment to strengthening inland waterways as a key pillar of India’s logistics framework. Rhenus expressed pride in supporting India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and leading the way in shaping the future of sustainable logistics, thereby contributing to India’s logistics transformation.
Leveraging European Expertise for Indian Waterways
India’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector, governed by IWAI, has experienced significant growth, with navigable waterways spanning over 14,500 kilometers, including 111 National Waterways. Cargo volumes have surged from 30 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2014 to 133 MMTPA in 2024.
Rhenus India will introduce its Inland Waterways Transport solutions through scheduled barge services on the Ganga River and the Brahmaputra River. These sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions are designed to facilitate seamless cargo movements across India and potentially into neighboring countries. This venture marks an expansion of Rhenus’s existing expertise in port operations and inland navigation, drawing from its extensive experience in Europe.
Initially, Rhenus India intends to operate barge services on National Waterways NW-1, NW-2, NW-16, and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route (IBP), with plans for gradual expansion to include other national waterways. A combination of pushers and barges, suitable for low-draft navigation, will be used to transport both bulk and break-bulk cargo across North & East India, North-East India, and neighboring countries. With 1,000 vessels operating daily on European waterways, Rhenus will leverage its Port Logistics experience, particularly in European inland navigation, and resources from its European Waterways fleet to further support India’s IWT sector. Rhenus has been active in the inland navigation sector in Europe since its foundation in 1912, building its company and service portfolio around logistics activities along the Rhine River.
Leadership Perspectives
Vivek Arya, CEO of Rhenus Logistics India & Global CEO of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Intercontinental, stated: “With over 100 years of dedicated expertise in inland waterway operations across Europe, Rhenus is excited to partner with IWAI in this transformative journey to create a smarter, greener and more economical logistics network. Recognizing the immense potential of India’s inland waterways, we are committed to adapt our best practices to suit the Indian environment and contribute towards seamless waterway movement through our innovative solutions.”
Michael de Reese, Division Head of Rhenus Port Logistics, added: “Inland navigation is the backbone of the producing economy in Germany as well as in Europe. With our expertise and our broad experience in mastering challenges such as infrastructure construction, varying water levels and the training of a reliable expert workforce, we can support the growing Indian economy together with the IWAI.”
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