Predictions for 2010 show that there is
still enough capacity for main European
inland waterways to handle growth in
the volumes of freight traffic, despite
the total capacity of the European fleet
being expected to decrease.Marginal
costs of pollution and infrastructure
maintenance seem to increase very
rapidly once the traffic reaches a 60%
increase in volume. Regulation aimed at
separating recreational and commercial
shipping is considered the most effective
way of reducing accidents and
congestion. On-board technological
solutions to reduce fuel consumption
and financial incentives for the use of
clean products are better at reducing
atmospheric pollution.