Global Inland Waterways Vessels Market Revenue Grows at a CAGR of 5.1%

Introduction

Straits Research published a report, “Inland Waterways Vessels Market Size & Outlook, 2026–2034.” According to the study, the market size was valued at USD 16.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand to USD 24.96 billion by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

The Inland Waterways Vessels Market is driven by the growing adoption of cost-effective and environmentally sound transport solutions for freight haulage, the rise of inland waterways transport of bulk commodities and the auto logistics segment, as well as the growing importance of inland waterways transport within the multimodal transport chain. Growing industrial development alongside the inland waterways route, to relieve existing congestion on the transport infrastructure of the country, is boosting the inland waterways vessels market.

Support for the development of inland waterways, constant enhancement in navigability infrastructure, investment in new generation ships in emerging economies such as China, India, America, and Europe, among others, are playing pivotal roles in paving the way for this industry to expand. Focused development in eco-friendly propulsion technologies, optimization of vessels, and enhanced reliability is opening new paths for boat manufacturers, operators, and logistics businesses in this sector.

Market Highlights

• Segmental Leadership: Cargo Barges hold the largest market share (48.9%), while Electric Vessels record the fastest CAGR (7.2%) during the forecast period.
• Vessel Operation Mode Outlook: Manned Vessels continue to dominate deployment, accounting for 48.4% of total vessel utilization due to established operating practices.
• Application Focus: Industrial Bulk Cargo leads with 36.7% market share, supported by sustained demand for large-volume inland freight movement.
• End Use Industry: The Automotive segment emerges as a high-growth end-use, projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.8%, driven by increasing adoption of inland waterways for vehicle and component logistics.
• Regional Insights: Asia Pacific dominates with 38.6% share, supported by extensive navigable river networks and strong industrial activity.

Competitive Players

1. Damen Shipyards Group
2. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
3. Hyundai Heavy Industries
4. China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)
5. VARD Group
6. Fincantieri S.p.A.
7. Bollinger Shipyards
8. Cochin Shipyard Limited
9. Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding
10. Wartsila Corporation
11. ABB Marine & Ports
12. General Dynamics NASSCO
13. Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
14. Hindustan Shipyard Limited
15. Jiangnan Shipyard Group
16. Meyer Group
17. Eastern Shipbuilding Group
18. Atlas River Services
19. Kirby Corporation
20. SEACOR Holdings
21. Others

Recent Developments

Segmentation

1. By Vessel Type (2022-2034)
   1. Cargo Barges
   2. Container Vessels
   3. Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Vessels
   4. Tanker Vessels
   5. Passenger Vessels
   6. Specialized Service Vessels
2. By Propulsion Type (2022-2034)
   1. Diesel Powered Vessels
   2. LNG Powered Vessels
   3. Electric Vessels
   4. Hybrid Vessels
3. By Vessel Operation Mode (2022-2034)
   1. Manned Vessels
   2. Semi-Autonomous Vessels
   3. Autonomous Vessels
4. By Application (2022-2034)
   1. Finished Vehicles
   2. Automotive Components
   3. Industrial Bulk Cargo
   4. Liquid Bulk Cargo
   5. General Cargo
5. By End Use Industry (2022-2034)
   1. Automotive
   2. Energy & Chemicals
   3. Agriculture
   4. Construction
   5. Passenger Transportation
   6. Others
6. By Region (2022-2034)
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia Pacific
   4. Middle East and Africa
   5. Latin America