Better by Barge

A new report called ‘Better by Barge’ released 7 April by the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) spotlights Britain’s underutilised inland waterways, making the case for a shift from road freight transport to water as a way of utilising the waterways network in the fight against climate change.  

With the UK facing mounting congestion and pollution, ‘Better by Barge’ highlights how the country’s 5,000 miles of navigable rivers and canals present a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to HGV transport. 

The key advantages of increasing freight movements by water as a sustainable transport solution are: 

• Reduced road congestion A single self-propelled freight barge carrying 1,500 tonnes removes the equivalent of up to 75 HGVs. 

• Lower carbon emissions Waterborne freight emits up to 76% less CO2 per tonne compared to road transport. 

• Improved air quality Cutting emissions and road traffic reduces harmful air pollutants in urban areas. 

• Enhanced safety Waterborne freight has fewer accidents compared to road and rail freight. 

• Economic benefits Reducing road congestion is estimated to save British businesses £18 million annually by 2025. 

Gerry Heward, who chairs IWA’s Freight Group, said:  

“The government has set climate targets while also looking for growth – our waterways are an already existing transport infrastructure for freight with capacity to grow, so let’s use them.  

“This report finds that moving by water is usually cheaper point to point. Barge transport also emits less CO2 than road and rail transport with the additional benefit of improved air quality due to reduced emissions.

“Further social and health benefits are realised because noise reduction follows from moving HGVs off urban roads where people in high-density housing suffer disproportionately from poor air quality. And reduced traffic congestion means fewer road traffic accidents with their associated costs.  

“With properly managed waterways, transporting freight this way is as reliable as other modes and suitable for the ‘just-in-time’ approach modern supply chains tend to favour. 

"When the potential for job creation is added, there really is no reason to not utilise waterways where possible for freight purposes.”   

Pamela Mounter, spokesperson for Logistics UK Water Council, said:  "IWA’s new charter is timely and relevant for the drive to net zero.  It stresses how freight on water offers a sustainable and efficient solution that complements road and rail, creating a truly integrated, multi-modal transport system.

"By leveraging our waterways we can reduce congestion, lower polluting emissions that damage health, and enhance the resilience of our supply chains, ensuring a balanced approach to moving goods.”  

Policy Recommendations to Unlock Water Freight Potential 

To support and expand the use of inland waterways for freight, the report calls for these policy recommendations to fully realise freight potential: 

• Government investment to enhance capacity and encourage modal shift. 

• Support for low-carbon fuels, such as Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO), to aid the transition to Net Zero. 

• Protection of key inland waterway freight sites to prevent development pressures from eroding infrastructure. 

• Reintroduction of Freight Facilities Grants (FFGs) in England to reduce high capital costs for connecting sites to waterways. 

• Expansion and modernisation of Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) to make water freight cost-competitive. 

• Investment in training and workforce development to expand skills in the water freight sector. 

The report shows that success is already proven through case studies where shifting to waterborne freight has delivered tangible benefits: 

• Thames Tideway Tunnel Project  Moving materials by barge slashed emissions and eliminated thousands of HGV trips in London. 

• Tunnel Wharf Water transport for aggregates significantly improved air quality in Greenwich by reducing local road traffic. 

• Casper River & Canal Transport’s ‘Off Roader’ Barge This 600-tonne vessel has removed nearly 6,000 HGV trips per year from UK roads. 

Logistics UK's Sernior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman said: "There are strategic locations where investment in water freight infrastructure could drive significant gains including Bow Goods Yard (London) where, despite a direct connection to the Thames, current regeneration plans do not include water freight. This must change to integrate multi-modal transport. Newark Wharf & Nottingham Plans are underway to reopen wharves on the River Trent, returning it to regular freight use and reducing the reliance on road transport. 

"With the UK government’s push towards net zero and the need for innovative solutions to reduce congestion, water freight offers a clear, viable alternative. The right policy support and investment are sensible and will unlock the full potential of the UK’s waterways to play their part in addressing climate change. As with other needed waterways investment, investment will pay off immediately, as well as in the future."

Published On: 20/05/2025 13:00:00