This Wednesday, six months after marking the 60th anniversary of the Moselle's opening to large-scale shipping in the presence of Charles de Gaulle, Heinrich Lübke, and Grand Duchess Charlotte, a commemorative event was held to reflect its history and address contemporary challenges.
During the ceremony in Grevenmacher, speakers highlighted the importance of the river as a symbol for European reconciliation after World War II. The cooperation between Luxembourg, France, and Germany on this waterway was not only economically crucial, but also symbolically, for fostering integration.
Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes underscored the history of transformation that the Moselle has witnessed over the past six decades. "The Moselle reflects the evolution of European integration and trade, from transporting steel to agricultural goods," she adds.
However, river transport is not solely limited to the past, with Backes stressing its contemporary importance. "Seven million tonnes of goods were carried by 4,500 ships last year. These are numbers that underline the enduring importance of shipping. It is a clean mode of transport that we should encourage, however, it needs integration with rail networks to function effectively."
In terms of environmental benefits, shipping indeed emits less CO2 than for example road transportation methods, stresses French ambassador Claire Lignières-Counathe. Unfortunately, the decline of heavy industries like steel and coal have led to reduced shipping activity on the Moselle.
"That said, the Moselle is connected to Metz, which to this day remains France's leading cereal port. On the French side, there is interest in maintaining and expanding its use - not only just for goods but potentially also for tourism through river cruises and so on."
The Moselle remains one of Europe's busiest waterways, second only to the Rhine, according to German Ambassador Heike Peitsch. The speakers at the commemorative event unanimously agreed that the abolition of tolls in summer 2025 will enhance the appeal of transporting goods via the Moselle.
A feat unimaginable 60 years ago, when the river was first canalised. Back then, ships up to 1,500 tonnes could circulate along 270 kilometres of the river, this has been expanded to 390 kilometres to include heavier ships after repeated works to deepen the canal.
"Just a few euros can determine which mode of transport is chosen," says Peitsch. "I am absolutely convinced that shipping on the Moselle continues to have a future. Naturally, that also means that we have to continuously adapt to evolving circumstances. So far, I think we have managed that well."
Peitsch also stressed the importance of having diverse transport methods for goods, considering the unpredictability of disasters. "The current geo-strategic situation has made us even more aware of the need for resilience and adaptability when it comes to logistics."
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