3. The transport offer and its evolution: modernization in progress

Since January 1 2000, the inland waterway market has been fully liberalized.

Until then, the "tour de rôle" system had been in place since the end of the war. Under this system, artisanal boatmen were awarded spot transport on the basis of order of arrival at the local charter office. Prices were also regulated. Today, however, this system has given way to a more traditional organization in which customers and suppliers can freely negotiate the various contractual terms and conditions.