Waterborne Freight

Canals were originally built for the transportation of goods and although freight is not the main purpose of the waterway network today, British Waterways tries to facilitate it wherever we can.

There continues to be a role for carriage of freight by water on our larger waterways and in recent years we have focused on aggregates, container, waste and recycling sectors in particular. There has been growing interest in the potential for freight traffic as fuel costs have risen and awareness of its environmental benefits has increased.

During 2008 we have worked closely with the government's promotional body, Freight by Water, to bring together diverse interests in the industry to help to promote freight in appropriate markets and to ensure the right framework of grants and town planning support for the sector.

To effectively carry freight, waterways often need additional investment. This frequently comes in the form of European and government grant funding

We work closely with, and receive funding from, organisations such as Transport for London to explore and progress viable freight and transportation opportunities on our waterways.

Could you move your goods by inland waterway?

Waterborne freight for the 2012 Olympics

One example of where water-based freight will make a big difference is in East London, with the development of the 2012 Olympic site. This project will enable the Olympic Development Agency to carry out vital works to river walls while also creating access into the Olympic Park for 350-tonne barges, enabling up to 1,400 lorry journeys per week to be taken from local roads during the construction phase of the Olympics. Partners and funders in the project include Defra, The Olympic Development Authority, Transport for London, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the Department for Transport. The project will also create a navigable network of waterways with future opportunities for moorings, water taxis and trip boats. Olympic construction project

Visit www.freightbywater.org