Decarbonization Breakbulk & Project Cargo modern inland water transport will be compensated by the long-term benefits of a lower carbon imprint,” May said.
Taking weight off roads
In the UK, inland waterways, particularly the Manchester Ship Channel, are playing an increasing role in reducing road congestion by moving heavy and oversized cargo to waterways.
Jamie Gray, senior project director for Haskoning, cited the 2024 transport of a large hydrogen-powered furnace from India to the Port of Liverpool. UK port operator Peel Ports transferred the furnace to a barge and moved the cargo via the Manchester Ship Canal to reduce road miles and public disruption.
Gray said Peel Ports is investing heavily in warehousing and logistics hubs along its waterways.“ The aim is to process goods closer to the final destination, and thus lower carbon emissions,” he said.
May said inland waterway barges will eventually be adapted to run on electric propulsion, making them less reliant on fossil fuels.
“ Inland water transport could evolve to being carbonneutral much more quickly than road transport,” he said.
Another emerging technology, AI-powered self- steering barges, are already being tested in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.“ Obviously a lot of caution is required in proceeding on that basis, but it is a trend that I think clearly is on the way and will help to rationalize that mode of transport,” May said.
“ We’ re seeing growing interest in inland waterways as part of mining and bulk supply chains in South America.”
In any case, May said inland transport can maintain a low profile, not only because it produces less noise pollution than trucks, but also because it means fewer oversized shipments taking up space on the road.
“ It is so incredibly discreet,” he said.“ People are not even really aware of the service that is rendered to the economy.”
email: autumn @ autumngiusti. com www. joc. com March 2026 | Journal of Commerce 13