Nowadays, Inland shipping is facing significant changes. The energy transition stipulates a transfer to climate-friendly propulsions and, at the same time, a phase-out of coal-fired power generation, and, thus, to resign the transportation of fossil bulk goods. These are not the only challenges: A shortage of skilled workers and increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions, as a result of climate change, provide additional uncertainties. How can the future of inland shipping being shaped sustainably? The mutual colloquium of BAW, INAM and DST  offers an opportunity to learn about the latest technical and scientific developments and to discuss possible solutions.