Rhenus Logistics to conduct feasibility study of pusher-barge convoys on India's inland waterways
Rhenus Logistics India, a company under German shipping specialist the Rhenus Group, has partnered with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) to conduct a research-based technical feasibility study of barges and pusher units for various convoy configurations proposed for operations across inland waterways throughout India.
The study aims to assess multiple combinations of barges and pusher units, focusing on their technical viability for efficient operations across different stretches of inland waterways in India across different states.
IRS carried out a comprehensive analysis considering navigational constraints, pusher-barge design parameters, hydrodynamic performance and operational requirements.
"We are committed to supporting multimodal logistics solutions that enhance the efficiency of cargo movement in India," said Vivek Arya, Regional CEO, Rhenus India. "Inland water transport holds immense potential, and with this feasibility study, we aim to optimise our operations in alignment with the Government of India’s vision for sustainable logistics."
"The technical study will serve as a valuable input in planning and deploying barge convoys that are both safe and efficient for Indian inland waterway operations," added P K Mishra, Managing Director, IRS.
Earlier this year, the Rhenus Group had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India on the deployment of a new fleet of cargo barges on India's inland waterways.
Under the MOU, Rhenus Logistics will deploy 100 cargo barges along with pusher tugs in a phased manner along NW-1, NW-2, NW-16 and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol routes. The operations will be gradually scaled up to include other waterways in the country.
Twenty barges and six pusher tugs are slated for deployment under the first phase of the program, which is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year. The vessels will be operated in the northern and eastern areas of the country as well as to and from neighbouring countries.
