During the summer of 2024, the Olympic Games in Paris brought unexpected disruptions to InnoWaTr’s urban waterway services, especially along the River Seine. Despite these challenges, we remained resilient and found creative solutions to continue operations and serve our customers.
Challenges faced
With the Olympic Games taking place in Paris, all waterway services accessing the city center were disrupted. The quays typically used for urban distribution were closed for safety reasons, as the banks of the Seine were reserved for public events and ceremonies. This forced us to suspend our weekly urban distribution services. However, we quickly adapted by redirecting our boats to meet important river logistics needs.
Solutions implemented
To support the preparations for the Olympics, we equipped quays in the city center with essential infrastructure for the opening ceremony. During June and July, two of our boats, fitted with open holds and onboard cranes, transported hundreds of pontoons, gangways, ballast weights, and mooring equipment from peripheral hubs (Port de Tolbiac and Port de Boulogne Billancourt) to quays in the heart of Paris. One of our boats, the ZULU 03, even played a special role in the opening parade.
Adjusting for our customers
Although we made the most of the situation, we had to find alternative solutions to ensure that our three key customers involved in the InnoWaTr French FFC project were not left behind.
- PAPREC
With services at the Debilly Wharf paused due to Olympic events, we moved operations to a new site in Boulogne Billancourt, on the outskirts of Paris, to maintain continuity.
- Olivier Bertrand Distribution (OBD)
Delivery areas in the city were severely limited during the Olympics, so we had to temporarily shift from inland waterway services to road transport for all deliveries.
- CUILLER Frères
While many construction projects in central Paris were impacted by the Olympic disruptions, we managed to keep several projects on the outskirts supplied via the River Seine. In June 2024, we delivered wood materials to the “Seine Parisii” construction site in Cormeilles-en-Parisis, reducing CO2 emissions by a third and avoiding over 100 kilometers of road transport.
Keeping the Notre Dame restoration on track
Even the ongoing restoration of Notre Dame was impacted, though we were able to continue waterway deliveries of essential roofing materials throughout the summer, ensuring this monumental project stayed on course.
Looking ahead
This summer’s challenges reinforced the resilience and adaptability of inland waterway transport (IWT). Thanks to close collaboration with authorities and stakeholders, we were able to find alternative locations and hubs on the outskirts of Paris to keep our operations running smoothly. While the Olympic Games might be a rare occurrence, the flexibility we’ve demonstrated ensures we’re ready to face any situation that comes our way.