Page 15 - 2026 European River Report

We can also provide a newbuild in about two years,
getting the shipyard slot and designing the ship, if

you charter it for 10 years plus.

Even table configurations can make a big differ- “We have harbors in Germany and the Netherlands
ence, with those eyeing the U.S. market wanting big- and are working on two more locations,” Gill added.
ger tables in the restaurant for larger groups, while Of the company’s current clients, Gill said he has
those operating with more European guest demo- lots of additional tonnage requests to either charter
graphics wanting more tables for two. more ships or build new.
Guest capacities can range from 140 to 200. “Almost all our clients are looking to source ad-
ditional ships over the next two years or are trying
DIFFERENTIATION to build new ones,” he added.
“The main differentiation is on the shore excursion
and experience side, plus the entertainment aboard NO BRAKES
and the food concept,” Gill told Cruise Industry News. The American consumer has not slowed down at
“We work with third-party providers and have all for Gill’s client base, and the potential continues
economies of scale. Operations can be pricey, so to build up European-based sourcing, as well as more
it’s important you get the volume and get the price long-term charters to China- and Japan-based tour
down,” he said. operators.
Shoulder season is getting shorter, as river vessels
SUSTAINABILITY generally do not operate year-round and are laid
United Waterways is pushing forward with cutting up in January and February when demand softens.
carbon emissions. “It shows the development of the market,” con-
Battery packs are nothing new on the rivers, being tinued Gill. “Fifteen years ago, we laid up ships
used for peak shaving, and most docking stations for four months. Now it is six to eight weeks. The
either have or will have shore power connections, season goes much longer, over Christmas and into
Gill said. the New Year, and then starts earlier, as soon as
What is coming before 2030 is a big step toward mid-February or March.”
decarbonization as refits will see ships change over to That means a rush to refurbish ships in a short
operate on methanol and biodiesel, along with battery time, Gill said.
packs. Expect newbuilds to go the same way, he added. Other challenges center around finding bridge
officers and a lengthy licensing process. This has
NEW TO MARKET led United Waterways to open its own school in
“With new operators coming in, the most important Bratislava to train new officers, with a special pro-
thing to have is infrastructure,” Gill advised. “You gram to train ocean cadets, who may have worked
cannot enter the market without it.” on cruise vessels, to become licensed officers on
That means access to docking stations in prime the rivers.
locations near city centers, of which United Water- “In 18 months they are educated on how to run
ways controls many. a river ship. It doesn’t immediately make them a
The company also has areas to lay up ships during captain, but they are ready,” said Gill.
the shoulder season to get work done, which is a Challenges of years past, such as water levels
strategic advantage. causing havoc with ships unable to navigate under
bridges, are less of a concern these days.
Almost all our clients are looking “We have gotten used to this, swapping guests
to source additional ships over the between ships,” said Gill.
For those coming into the market, Gill advised
next two years or are trying to build they should choose their partners carefully.
“This market is not driven by price, but in the
new ones. infrastructure you have and economies of scale.” 

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