3.0 Evaluation and Comparison of Globally-Important Inland Waterway Systems To better understand the state of U.S. inland waterway systems and to use that understanding to inform policy, this report reviews globally-significant waterway systems from around the world. These case studies review the current and historical state of the system, including a review of available data and information on traffic volumes and investment levels as well as system governance, administration, and future plans. The findings and lessons help in the assessment of the competitiveness of U.S. inland waterways and the effectiveness of U.S. inland waterway policy. To select the rivers in this study, the research team reviewed the most heavily trafficked rivers from around the world, looking at rivers with both the highest navigation levels and the highest new investment levels. This initial review included the following rivers: South America o Amazon o Magdalena o Orinoco o Paraná-Paraguay Africa o Nile
Asia o Mekong o Yangtze o Ganges Europe o Rhine o Danube o Volga o Dnieper
The river systems selected for more in-depth analysis were: •
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Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay in South America – The Amazon provides a naturally navigable waterway with significant development potential. The Paraguay River is the most developed and, until recently, the most heavily used river in South America. The varying historical investment along with foreign private sector involvement and interest make it a valuable comparison to the inland waterway system in the United States. The Rhine and Danube in Europe – These rivers, and their connecting canal, are the busiest on the European continent. In recent years the Rhine has been strategically leveraged to move containers and other high-value goods in and out of France, Germany, and Switzerland. Its coordinated structure and multiple jurisdictions make it a compelling case from a governance and strategy standpoint.
Waterborne Competitiveness
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