UNITED WATERWAYS will be present at ITB 2025 in Berlin with “Tourism and Events on the Water – Your Entry into the Cruise Market”. Based in Basel, the leading group in white label management for passenger ships has more than 120 ships and, among other things, will be advising customers on entering the river and ocean cruise market – with a clear roadmap towards sustainability. With its STARLING FLEET, the Group is pursuing ambitious goals when it comes to the roadmap towards net zero on the river. At the ITB, UNITED WATERWAYS is presenting a modular investment programme for 12 “green” passenger ships on the river and at sea. Subsidiaries also score highly with prestigious sustainability awards.
Investing in a green future: New ocean and river cruise ships by 2030
UNITED WATERWAYS is planning to invest in 12 new passenger ships that will use the latest engine technology and be constructed in compliance with environmentally friendly criteria and materials. In addition to river cruise ships, there are plans for an expedition cruise ship and a coastal cruiser as new builds from Ocean Advice, which will be available to new customers by 2028. Where necessary and possible, the ships are equipped with dual-fuel engines, special electric engines or carbon-neutral single-fuel energy sources. This generation of river ships has a draught of less than 1.3 metres, can operate in shallow waters and can change fuel en route. Energy efficiency measures from the hull to the interior also ensure that operating costs are kept low and local regulations can be adhered to. Interested investors and partners among the river cruise companies can order “their” customised ships on a modular basis from the white-label shipping company UNITED WATERWAYS and adapt them individually. The ships will be integrated into the STARLING FLEET, among others. “This major investment, in which UNITED WATERWAYS is paying upfront, marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and future-oriented river cruise industry. This underpins our conviction and willingness to act. We can only attain our ambitious goal of net zero by 2050 together,” explains Dr. Sascha Gill, CEO of UNITED WATERWAYS and leading sustainability expert in the industry.
River Academy – the UNITED WATERWAYS answer to a shortage of captains
The shortage of skilled labour is affecting the hospitality industry just as much as the nautical sector. And river shipping is no exception. UNITED WATERWAYS is thus making systematic investments into “human capital”. With its River Academy, founded in Cologne in 2019, the market leader for white label management is investing millions into a new campus in Šamorín – Čilistov, directly on the Danube, close to the Slovakian capital Bratislava. The “River Academy Danube” is part of a comprehensive network that already spans several countries and focuses on promoting education and innovation in European inland navigation. This benefits all providers of commercial river shipping on Europe’s rivers. High-tech navigation simulators enable practical training, collaborative learning areas and fully digitalised learning environments support exchange between those taking part. A training ship on the Danube enables the necessary simulations in the form of live training moments. A new training programme for career changers who want to become sailors started on 1 March 2025. The company’s nine-month training programme will help meet the existing demand for skilled workers in inland navigation.
FLOATING VENUES – recognition for KD’s commitment to sustainability
It is the leading provider of day trips, events and exclusive MICE event locations on the Rhine, Main and Moselle in Germany: KD (Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt).
As a subsidiary of UNITED WATERWAYS, KD has been awarded the bronze medal by EcoVadis for its extensive ESG sustainability management in the areas environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. This means that KD is in the top 35 per cent of all companies evaluated by EcoVadis. One example of KD’s great commitment is the infrastructure on land: currently, 12 KD landing stages are equipped with PowerLock systems. This system makes it possible for ships to do without diesel generators during lay times and instead use environmentally friendly shore power. The use of fairly produced shore power not only reduces CO₂ emissions but also minimises noise and particulate emissions. In this way, KD improves the quality of life in the surrounding areas – both for the residents and for the environment.
FLOATING VENUES – Oceandiva Nova nominated for the German Sustainability Award
There was also recognition for Oceandiva Nova: the first fully electrically powered event ship has been nominated for the German Sustainability Award. The nomination was announced shortly after the Oceandiva was awarded the renowned Green Award Platinum label – the highest certification for shipping companies that are committed to environmental protection, safety and quality. The innovative ship represents a unique combination of luxury and environmental awareness. It is perfect for events such as galas, conferences and company celebrations on the river. The Oceandiva Nova is equipped with advanced technologies that go hand in hand with a minimal ecological footprint. The nomination underlines the role of UNITED WATERWAYS and its subsidiaries as pioneering figures in the sustainable event sector.
FEENSTRA RIJN LIJN – winner of the Vacation Awards for a second time
The travel gala took place on 25 January 2025 with the presentation of the Vacation Awards. The Dutch tour operator Feenstra Rijn Lijn, owned by UNITED WATERWAYS, has been voted the best river cruise company in Holland for the second time in a row. This award is based on votes from the travel industry.
Where to find us at ITB Berlin 2025:
- Stand 111 in Hall 25, cruises, with daily company presentaLons at
10:30 am and 2:30 pm - PresentaLon Hub, Hall 5.3: “Tourism and Events on the Water – Your
Entry into the River Cruise Market”, Wednesday, 5 March from 1:30
pm to 2:15 pm
Media Documentation: www.unitedwaterways.com/media-documentation