The social challenges of greening maritime and inland waterway transport

Key points: 

• The EESC reiterates its support for the conclusions and recommendations of opinions FuelEU Maritime and NAIADES III.

• In these fields, 'close cooperation with all stakeholders in the maritime cluster and supply chain is necessary to ultimately reach this goal'.

• The same applies for the necessary 'interest in creating intermodal terminals', allowing for 'the development of inland waterway transport in cities, contributing to a better quality of life'.

• The EESC believes that maritime and inland waterway transport greening must take into account the health and quality of life of those living in the vicinity of navigation channels and ports.

• Consequently, the port authorities, local and regional authorities, and transport stakeholders must work together to rethink the links between cities, ports, and transport stakeholders.

• The greening transition can only happen once adequate training aimed at employees has been put in place.

• These recommendations are integral for the future enhancement of the blue economy.