IRPT announces partnership with Breakbulk Europe

Inland Rivers, Ports, and Terminals Inc. (IRPT) has formalized a strategic partnership with Breakbulk Europe (BBEU26) to advance collaboration and expand engagement between the U.S. inland river system and the global shipping community.

IRPT initiated discussions with BBEU26 following the announcement of its inaugural European Summit, designed to connect U.S. inland port leaders with international markets. With BBEU26 scheduled in Rotterdam immediately following the Summit, the alignment created a natural opportunity for cooperation between the two organizations.

IRPT European Summit

The IRPT European Summit will provide participating members with an immersive learning experience across the Netherlands. Delegates will tour inland river facilities, meet with European port leaders, and explore policy innovations, sustainability initiatives, and emerging strategies for marketing inland waterway systems. The summit concludes with participation in BBEU26, where IRPT members will engage directly with global shippers and industry stakeholders.

IRPT will host an exhibit booth at BBEU26, serving as a central point for U.S. inland port representatives. The booth will feature IRPT’s interactive facilities map, highlighting member connectivity across the inland river system. Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals will also distribute the 2026 Membership Directory to shippers and attendees.

The collaboration continues in the United States with IRPT’s 2026 Annual Conference where Breakbulk Europe and its international audience is invited, expanding visibility for the U.S. inland river industry and strengthening global outreach. The objective to this element of the agreement is to tap into the global market to encourage shippers to attend IRPT’s Annual Conference, engage with America’s logistics experts, explore supply chain solutions and expand global trade opportunities.

Back in December, IRPT announced that ports and terminals around the United States were investing major resources to boost economic development in their communities as they entered into phase two of the transatlantic partnership with IRPT and the European Federation of Inland Ports.