Inland navigation on the ABC axis
De Vlaamse Waterweg investigated where along the ABC axis there was still space and potential for water-related activities that could strengthen the modal shift. TML mapped the existing situation and freight flows, and used analyses and a clear strategic vision to support choices for the further development of this inland shipping corridor.
Along the ABC axis (Antwerp–Brussels–Charleroi), pressure on the road network is increasing, while it is becoming ever clearer that there is insufficient space for water-related activities to enable further modal shift. De Vlaamse Waterweg therefore sought a better understanding of where opportunities still existed for transhipment, logistics, and economic development along this strategic inland waterway corridor, and where bottlenecks were limiting the use of the waterway.
In this project, the existing situation was first mapped in detail: the infrastructure of the waterways, their current use, existing transhipment locations, and ongoing plans and policy visions. A transport-economic analysis was then carried out to examine how supply and demand for water-bound space relate to one another, both today and in the future. These insights formed the basis for a well-substantiated vision of where investment and cooperation would be most beneficial.
TML led the study and carried out the inventories and analyses, mapped the freight flows and transhipment capacity, and assessed the spatial and operational potential along the corridor.
