Impacts of climate change on waterways and navigation - Searching for options of adaptation (KLIWAS)

Among all modes of transport, inland and coastal navigation excels by its energy efficiency and is thus making a contribution to the protection of the present climate. However, the efficiency of goods and passenger transport on waterways may be severely impaired by consequences of climate change in the future. The aim of this project is to analyse the potential consequences of climate change for navigation on inland and coastal waterways and to formulate appropriate strategies for adaptation to the changed environmental conditions in the future. This research is pursued in close cooperation with pertinent national and international scientific networks. The findings of this research will serve to advice the Federal government in matters of inland navigation and waterways and will contribute to the German Adaptation Strategy (DAS) to climate change. The project also assesses the consequences of climate change on hydrology, transportation costs, and other economic aspects and derives options for actions in waterway management, inland navigation, and industrial branches requiring the transport of bulk goods.