European Summit to Advance Inland Waterway Freight Through International Engagement
Ports and terminals around the United States are investing major resources to boost economic development in their communities as they enter into phase two of the transatlantic partnership with Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals (IRPT) and the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP).
The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in October, focuses on modernizing infrastructure, expanding commercial opportunities, and supporting the exchange of best practices across the inland waterway freight networks of the United States and the European Union.
The next phase is to strengthen the visibility of U.S. inland river system abroad by directly engaging with global leaders, project owners, freight forwarders, ports, and logistics providers from more than 120 countries during a trade mission offered by IRPT, in coordination with EFIP. The Summit will connect U.S. inland and coastal ports and terminals with European inland and coastal ports, will spotlight the U.S. inland river system as the most reliable and efficient option for freight transportation.
Through the trade mission, participating U.S. ports and terminals will be able to present their operations, share approaches to sustainable supply chain management, and pursue international business relationships. This strategic, coordinated international investment into trade has the potential to expand trade channels, shipper engagement, market expansion, and future investment opportunities.
“IRPT members are committed to elevating America’s inland rivers as the choice for transportation to strengthen supply chains,” said Aimee Andres, Executive Director of IRPT. “Their investment into this transatlantic partnership demonstrates their ongoing determination to invest in the people and communities they serve. We are committed to providing a forum that connects them directly with European counterparts and supports informed decision-making about the future of inland waterway freight.”
Anthony Gex, IRPT Deputy Director, added, “Participants will be able to present their work on sustainable supply chain solutions, explore business partnerships, and take part in discussions on the trends and challenges influencing the sector.”
The European Summit, taking place in June 2026, will bring U.S. inland waterway ports and terminals into direct conversations with global freight leaders, elevating the inland river system as a national network and supporting resilient freight movement across the United States.
About Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals (IRPT)
IRPT is a U.S.-based nonprofit (est. 1974) serving 500+ members across 11 river basins, advocating for the value of inland river transportation and supporting the ports, terminals, and service providers that keep America’s supply chains moving.
About the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP)
EFIP (est. 1994) represents nearly 200 inland ports and port authorities in 18 European nations, plus Switzerland, Serbia, and Ukraine, advancing policies and practices that strengthen the role of inland ports in sustainable freight mobility.