United Waterways announced in a press release that it will be attending the ITB 2025 in Berlin, also announcing its plans to investment in 12 new passenger ships, plus an expedition ship and coastal cruise vessel.

The company will be at Stand 111 in Hall 25, providing daily presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and it will additionally present on Wednesday, March 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

The company will present its modular investment program for 12 “green” passenger ships on the river and at sea.

The group said it is pursuing goals towards net zero on the river with its Starling Fleet, and it plans to invest in 12 new 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 newbuilds from Ocean Advice will be available to new customers by 2028.

The ships are equipped with dual-fuel, electric, or carbon-neutral single-fuel energy sources where necessary and possible.

This generation of river ships has a draught of fewer than 1.3 meters, can operate in shallow waters and can change fuel en route, according to the press release.

“This major investment, in which United Waterways is paying upfront, marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and future-oriented river cruise industry. It underpins our conviction and willingness to act. We can only attain our ambitious goal of net zero by 2050 together,” said Dr. Sascha Gill, CEO of United Waterways and leading sustainability expert in the industry.

According to the company, the shortage of skilled labor is affecting the hospitality industry, so the company is also making systematic investments into human capital.

With its River Academy, founded in Cologne in 2019, United Waterways is investing in a new campus in Šamorín, Čilistov, on the Danube.

The academy is part of a network that spans several countries and promotes education and innovation in European inland navigation.

A new program for aspiring sailors started in March. The nine-month training program aims to help meet the demand for workers in inland navigation.