The objective of the SPIN network is to develop a European Strategy to promote Inland Navigation and to encourage the acceptance and exploitation of the strategy.

The proposal reflects option a) in the description of Task 2.3.2/14, the Key Action "Sustainable Mobility and Intermodality" of the 5th Framework programme "Competitive and Sustainable Growth", which foresees separated Thematic Networks for Inland Navigation and Short Sea Shipping. Nevertheless, co-ordination with a parallel Short Sea Shipping network is planned.

Although one third of the intra-community freight is carried on the European Inland Waterway Transport (IWT), it has not increased proportionally with the high growth in road transport. This demands further action from, policy-makers to obtain a more environmentally sustainable transport system.

The need for the environmental friendliness of Inland Navigation will grow with the enlargement of the European Union towards Eastern Europe.