Rhenus Logistics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to develop and operate tug-barge vessels, facilitating cargo movement across National Waterways NW-1, NW-2, NW-16, and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route.
Under the agreement, Rhenus India will initially operate barge services on these key routes, gradually expanding to other national waterways. The fleet will comprise pushers and barges specifically designed for low-draft navigation, enabling efficient transport of bulk and break-bulk cargo across North and East India, the North-East region, and neighbouring countries.
With over 1,000 vessels operating daily on European waterways, Rhenus will leverage its extensive Port Logistics expertise and European inland navigation experience to support the growth of India’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector. Founded in 1912 along the Rhine River, Rhenus has evolved into a global logistics leader, excelling in barge shipping, warehousing, road, rail, air, and ocean freight solutions.
The company expressed its gratitude to Dr. Kamala Kanta Nath, Additional Secretary, MoPSW; Mr. Vijay Kumar, Secretary, MoPSW; Mr. Sunil Kumar, Chairman, IWAI; Mr. A. K. Bansal, Chief Engineer, Traffic & Logistics, IWAI; and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Assistant Director, Traffic & Logistics, IWAI, for their guidance and support.
Rhenus reaffirmed its commitment to contributing meaningfully to India’s multimodal logistics transformation and advancing sustainable inland waterway transport.