Efficency
Unlocking the Potential of Inland Waterway Transport in Kenya
Inland waterway transport (IWT) is one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ways to move goods, producing far less CO2 compared to other transport methods. It uses only 17% of the energy required by heavily congested road transport and 50% of what rail transport consumes.
While Inland waterway transport is widely recognized for its role in supporting trade and mobility in other regions, such as Europe and North America, East Africa has a unique opportunity to unlock the potential of inland water transport.
With the growing focus on sustainable development, Inland waterway transport will play a crucial role in boosting the country's transport capacity, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing economic efficiency.
Reduce Pollution
The Benefits of Inland Waterway Transport
Inland waterway transport offers a range of significant advantages.
- It operates with minimal noise pollution,
- It uses less energy compared to other modes of transport,
- It boasts an impressively low carbon footprint.
Integrating inland waterways with rail and road can also alleviate congestion on congested roads. Adopting a multimodal approach can help contribute to a more sustainable and efficient cargo distribution system.
While inland waterway transport is highly energy-efficient, its potential remains largely untapped in East Africa. There is a growing opportunity to embrace this mode of transport to enhance sustainability and optimize cargo movement.
Environmental and Cost Advantages of Barge Transport
Barge transportation is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to move cargo, with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to road and rail transport.
Per tonne-kilometer of cargo moved, barges consume far less fuel, making them not only eco-efficient but also cost-effective. For example, a barge can transport cargo up to 413 tonne-kilometers per liter of fuel, a figure that far outperforms trucks and railroads. This efficiency translates directly into reduced transport costs per tonne-kilometer.
Moreover, each barge has the capacity to carry the equivalent of 100 trucks significantly reducing congestion on roads and railways. This helps to lower environmental strain and logistics costs. By choosing barge transport, businesses can reduce operational expenses while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for cargo logistics.
Lake Victoria Tug and Barge is committed to utilizing these advantages to provide cost-efficient and eco-friendly transport solutions across East Africa.