Bundeswasserstraßen

Bundeswasserstraßen are the federally designated inland waterways of Germany, consisting of river sections and canals that are open to commercial navigation and are part of the national transport infrastructure. They form the backbone of Germany’s inland waterway network and are used for the movement of goods and people, as well as for certain regional transportation tasks.

The designation and management of Bundeswasserstraßen are governed by the Bundeswasserstraßengesetz (Federal Waterways Act). The Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (WSV), part of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), administers, maintains, and regulates the network. Tasks include ensuring sufficient depth and width for vessels, operating and maintaining locks and bridges, dredging and channel maintenance, traffic management, signaling, and safety oversight. The aim is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable navigation across the federal network.

Major examples of Bundeswasserstraßen include the Rhine, Elbe, Weser, and Danube river sections and important federal canals such as the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal), the Mittellandkanal, and the Elbe–Lübeck Canal. Several sections are integrated into the European TEN-T road and railway projects, reflecting their strategic role for cross-border freight and intermodal transport.

Bundeswasserstraßen are distinguished from other German inland waterways, such as Landeswasserstraßen, which are state-owned and managed by the respective states. The designation of which sections qualify as Bundeswasserstraßen can be adjusted by federal law, ensuring alignment with national transport and economic policy. The network is crucial for freight transport, regional development, and integration into international trade routes.